The Ministry of Defence has signed a landmark contract with Airbus Helicopters for the delivery of four state-of-the-art aircraft, marking Ghana’s entry into a new era of multi-mission aerial capabilities.
This news was contained in Airbus’s official press release, posted on their website on January 15, 2026.
The deal includes two H175M super-medium helicopters for versatile defence operations, alongside one ACH175 and one ACH160 for VIP transport duties.
This procurement, described as Ghana’s inaugural order from Airbus Helicopters, underscores the country’s push to modernize its air fleet amid rising demands for rapid response in security, humanitarian, and executive missions.
The H175Ms will support a broad spectrum of roles, including troop transport, search and rescue (SAR), emergency medical evacuations, and disaster relief operations.
Meanwhile, the ACH175 and ACH160 will bolster presidential and high-level transport needs, enhancing operational efficiency across Ghana’s diverse terrain.
Arnaud Montalvo, Head of the Africa and Middle East Region for Airbus Helicopters, hailed the agreement as a “significant milestone.”
“This commitment from Ghana marks the return of Airbus Helicopters to the country with a defined focus on customer support and long-term partnership,” Montalvo said in a statement.
He emphasized the H175M’s debut in Ghanaian service, noting its “versatility across defence and security missions.”
Montalvo added that the deal positions Ghana as a “leading customer in West Africa” for Airbus’s premium corporate models, the ACH160 and ACH175.
Introduced to service in 2014, the H175M class stands out in the super-medium helicopter segment. It combines extended range, substantial payload capacity, and superior flight smoothness, making it ideal for onshore and offshore tasks.
Experts highlight its adaptability for SAR, public safety, military operations, disaster response, crew transport, and even private aviation.
The ACH160, the newest in Airbus’s ACH family, incorporates 68 patented technologies, positioning it as the world’s most advanced helicopter in its category.
It offers 20% more passenger volume than prior medium twins and 35% larger windows than competitors, creating the brightest cabin available and prioritizing comfort for extended flights.
This acquisition aligns with Ghana’s broader defence modernization efforts, including recent investments in maritime patrol vessels and surveillance drones.
The contract also paves the way for potential follow-on orders, potentially expanding Ghana’s fleet to support ECOWAS peacekeeping initiatives.
Background:
Marignane, France, 15 January 2026 – Airbus Helicopters has been awarded a contract by the Ministry of Defence of Ghana for two H175Ms, one ACH175 and one ACH160. The H175Ms will be used as multi-mission helicopters for transport, search and rescue, emergency medical services and disaster relief. The ACH175 and ACH160 will be operated for transport.
“The commitment from Ghana marks the return of Airbus Helicopters to the country with a defined focus on customer support and partnership,” said Arnaud Montalvo, Head of Africa and Middle East Region for Airbus Helicopters. “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,” he added.
In service since 2014, Airbus’ H175 belongs to the super-medium class of helicopters, combining long-range and payload with smooth flight qualities, making it the optimal solution for a wide range of onshore and offshore mission profiles, including disaster relief, search and rescue, public services and a wide range of military missions, as well as crew change and private and business aviation.
The ACH160 is the latest member of the ACH family and is the world’s most technologically advanced helicopter, with 68 new Airbus patented technologies. It provides 20% greater volume per passenger compared to previous generation medium twin helicopters and 35% larger windows than its competitors, resulting in the brightest cabin in its class.
Source: www.Kumasimail.com
