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Onome Amuge
Airbus Helicopters has secured a contract from Ghana’s Ministry of Defence for the supply of four helicopters, marking the manufacturer’s return to the West African country with a mix of military and corporate aircraft.
Under the agreement, Ghana will acquire two H175M helicopters, alongside one ACH175 and one ACH160. The H175Ms will be deployed in multi-mission roles, including troop and equipment transport, search and rescue operations, emergency medical services and disaster relief. The ACH175 and ACH160 will be operated primarily for transport purposes.
Arnaud Montalvo, head of Africa and the Middle East at Airbus Helicopters, said the order reflected a renewed focus on long-term partnership and customer support in Ghana. He added that the deployment of the H175M would showcase the platform’s flexibility across defence and security missions, while the inclusion of the ACH160 and ACH175 positioned Ghana as a leading West African customer for Airbus’ high-end corporate helicopters.
The H175, which entered service in 2014, sits in the super-medium category and is designed to combine long range with high payload capacity and stable flight performance. The model is used globally across a range of civilian and military applications, including offshore transport, search and rescue, public services and disaster response, as well as private and business aviation.
The ACH160 is the newest addition to Airbus’ corporate helicopter portfolio. The aircraft incorporates 68 patented technologies and is marketed as the most technologically advanced helicopter in its class. Airbus says it offers around 20 per cent more cabin volume per passenger than earlier-generation medium twin helicopters, alongside significantly larger windows designed to improve cabin light and passenger comfort.
The contract strengthens Airbus Helicopters’ footprint in West Africa at a time when governments in the region are seeking to modernise air capabilities for both security and civil protection missions, while also investing in premium transport assets for state and corporate use.