Ghana acquires four Airbus helicopters for transport, search and emergency response

The Government of Ghana, through its Ministry of Defence, has signed a major contract with Airbus Helicopters for the acquisition of two H175Ms, one ACH175, and one ACH160. The H175Ms are designated for multi-mission operations, including transport, search and rescue, emergency medical services, and disaster relief, while the ACH175 and ACH160 will primarily support transport missions.

The contracts, approved by Ghana’s Parliament on 5 December 2025, mark a significant step in modernizing the Ghana Armed Forces’ (GAF) aerial capabilities. Arnaud Montalvo, Head of Africa and Middle East for Airbus Helicopters, noted that the deal underscores Ghana’s status as a leading West African customer for both corporate and military rotorcraft. “The H175M will be operated in Ghana, demonstrating the aircraft’s versatility across defence and security missions,” he said.

In addition to the Airbus acquisition, Ghana has also signed a purchase agreement with Dassault Aviation for one Falcon 6X aircraft, valued at $60.68 million, to support strategic transport and operational readiness within the Air Force. The contracts were presented to Parliament by Deputy Minister of Defence Ernest Brogya Genfi, and referred to the Joint Committees on Defence and Interior for consideration and reporting.

The procurement comes amid recommendations from the Adansi helicopter crash investigation earlier in 2025, which identified critical safety gaps in Ghana’s rotary-wing fleet. Investigators concluded that the ill-fated Z-9 helicopter lacked a Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS/EGPWS), advanced navigation with terrain mapping, automatic flight control systems, and flight data monitoring capabilities. The ADNSI team also noted the absence of real-time tracking and surveillance systems, emphasizing the need for modernized aircraft to enhance situational awareness and reduce crew workload.

The crash investigation involved meticulous examination of maintenance logs, pilot training records, and flight documentation, along with recovery and analysis of the helicopter’s Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) at the AVIC Flight Decoding Centre in Xi’an, China. The findings directly influenced Ghana’s decision to acquire aircraft equipped with advanced avionics and safety systems, aligning operational readiness with international aviation standards.

The newly acquired Airbus H175M helicopters belong to the super-medium class, designed for versatile multi-mission operations. Equipped with long-range endurance, high payload capacity, and advanced avionics, the H175M can perform search and rescue, medical evacuation, disaster relief, and troop transport with enhanced safety and efficiency. Its state-of-the-art navigation and terrain awareness systems significantly improve operational reliability in challenging environments, making it particularly suited for Ghana’s diverse landscapes, from coastal regions to mountainous and remote northern areas.

The ACH175 and ACH160 corporate variants further expand Ghana’s operational flexibility. The ACH175 combines robust payload capacity with high-speed performance for transport missions, while the ACH160 introduces the latest Airbus technologies, including 68 patented innovations, a larger cabin, panoramic windows, and advanced flight control systems. These helicopters are optimized for both military and executive transport, enabling rapid mobility of personnel, critical supplies, and government officials across the country and beyond.

Beyond the immediate operational benefits, the acquisition underscores the growing defence and strategic cooperation between Ghana and France. Through partnerships with Airbus Helicopters, Ghana gains access to French expertise, training, and support services, strengthening interoperability and fostering long-term collaboration in aviation and defence technologies. This engagement not only modernizes Ghana’s air capabilities but also enhances bilateral ties, demonstrating how defence procurement can serve as a platform for sustained diplomatic and security partnerships.

Source: Diplomatic Times