Airbus Helicopters says it has secured a contract from Ghana’s Ministry of Defence for the supply of four helicopters.

According to the company, this marks their return to the Ghanaian market with a renewed focus on long-term partnership and customer support.

The cost of the helicopters has not yet been disclosed by either the company or the Ghanaian government.

The agreement, according to Airbus, covers two H175M helicopters, one ACH175 and one ACH160.

The H175Ms will be deployed as multi-mission aircraft, supporting transport operations as well as search and rescue, emergency medical services and disaster relief, the Airbus disclosed.

The ACH175 and ACH160 will be operated primarily for transport purposes.

Commenting on the deal, Head of Africa and the Middle East Region at Airbus Helicopters, Arnaud Montalvo, said Ghana’s commitment signals a strategic re-engagement with the manufacturer.

He noted that the operation of the H175M in Ghana highlights the aircraft’s versatility across defence and security missions, while positioning the country as a leading customer in West Africa for Airbus’ premium corporate helicopter range.

The H175, which has been in service since 2014, belongs to the super-medium class of helicopters and is designed to combine long-range capability with high payload and smooth flight performance.

The aircraft 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 addition to the Airbus Corporate Helicopters family, is regarded 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 previous-generation medium twin helicopters, alongside larger windows that deliver the brightest cabin in its class.

Background

In the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy read in November 2025, the government announced a defence modernisation programme to re-equip the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), including new aircraft, naval vessels and armoured vehicles to strengthen national security operations.

According to Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Ghana Air Force is set to acquire four helicopters, one long-range aircraft and one medium-range aircraft to strengthen air mobility, surveillance and emergency response capabilities. Deliveries are expected within four years.

Dr Forson said the programme is part of a national security strategy to ensure the GAF are well-equipped, trained and ready to respond to modern security challenges.