Airbus Helicopters has announced that it has secured a contract with Ghana’s Ministry of Defence for the delivery of four helicopters.
The company said the agreement marks its return to the Ghanaian market with renewed emphasis on long-term partnership and customer support. Neither Airbus nor the government has disclosed the cost of the aircraft.
According to Airbus, the deal covers two H175M helicopters, one ACH175 and one ACH160. The H175Ms will serve as multi-mission aircraft, supporting transport, search and rescue, emergency medical services and disaster relief operations. The ACH175 and ACH160 will be used primarily for transport purposes.
Commenting on the development, Arnaud Montalvo, Head of Africa and the Middle East Region at Airbus Helicopters, said Ghana’s decision reflects a strategic re-engagement with the manufacturer.
“Ghana’s commitment signals a strategic re-engagement with the manufacturer,” he noted, adding that the operation of the H175M demonstrates the aircraft’s versatility across defence and security missions, while positioning Ghana as a leading customer in West Africa for Airbus’ premium corporate helicopter range.
The H175, introduced in 2014, belongs to the super-medium class of helicopters, designed to combine long-range capability with high payload and smooth flight performance. It is suited for a wide range of missions, including disaster relief, search and rescue, public services, military operations, offshore activities and private or business aviation.
The ACH160, the newest member of the Airbus Corporate Helicopters family, is described as the most technologically advanced helicopter in the world. It incorporates 68 patented Airbus technologies and offers a 20 per cent increase in cabin volume per passenger compared to earlier-generation medium twin helicopters, with larger windows that provide the brightest cabin in its class.
Background
In the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy presented in November 2025, government announced a defence modernisation programme aimed at re-equipping the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) with new aircraft, naval vessels and armoured vehicles to enhance national security operations.
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson disclosed that the Ghana Air Force would acquire four helicopters, one long-range aircraft and one medium-range aircraft to boost air mobility, surveillance and emergency response capabilities. Deliveries are expected within four years.
Dr Forson explained that the initiative forms part of a broader national security strategy to ensure the GAF are adequately equipped, trained and prepared to confront modern security challenges.
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