The Ministry of Defence has awarded Airbus Helicopters a contract for the supply of four helicopters, comprising two H175Ms, one ACH175 and one ACH160, marking a renewed presence of the European manufacturer in Ghana’s aviation and defence landscape.
According to Airbus Helicopters, the two H175Ms will be deployed as multi-mission platforms to support transport, search and rescue operations, emergency medical services and disaster relief activities. The ACH175 and ACH160, which fall under Airbus Corporate Helicopters (ACH), are expected to be operated primarily for transport purposes.
Reacting to the development, Arnaud Montalvo, Head of Africa and Middle East Region for Airbus Helicopters, said the agreement signalled a strategic re-engagement with Ghana. “The commitment from Ghana marks the return of Airbus Helicopters to the country with a defined focus on customer support and partnership,” he said.
He added that the deployment of the H175M in Ghana underscored the aircraft’s operational flexibility. “We are particularly excited that the H175M will be operated in Ghana, demonstrating the aircraft’s versatility across defence and security missions. This key deal also makes Ghana a leading customer in West Africa for our premium corporate helicopters, the ACH160 and ACH175,” Mr Montalvo noted.
The H175 helicopter, which has been in service since 2014, belongs to Airbus’ super-medium class. The aircraft is designed to combine long-range capability and payload capacity with stable flight performance. Airbus says this makes it suitable for a wide range of missions, including disaster relief, search and rescue, public services, military operations, offshore transport and business aviation.
The ACH160, the latest addition to the Airbus Corporate Helicopters family, is described by the manufacturer as the most technologically advanced helicopter in its category. It features 68 patented Airbus technologies and offers a larger cabin space, providing 20 per cent greater volume per passenger compared to previous-generation medium twin helicopters. The model also has windows that are 35 per cent larger than those of competing aircraft, a design intended to deliver increased natural light within the cabin.
In presenting the 2026 Budget to Parliament, Ghana’s Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson outlined plans to retool and strengthen the Ghana Air Force (GAF), citing ageing equipment and limited operational readiness as key concerns.
As part of this strategy, the government earmarked funds to begin the procurement process for four modern helicopters and additional fixed-wing aircraft, with acquisitions expected to commence in 2026 and deliveries projected over a four-year period.
