The Ghana Air Force’s modernization plans have hit a major roadblock due to sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. The sanctions have severely disrupted the supply chain for spare parts, putting a strain on Ghana’s fleet of Soviet and Russian-origin aircraft.
Impact of Sanctions and Funding Challenges
The Ghanaian air force operates several Soviet/Russian aircraft, including six Mi-17/171 helicopters and four Mi-35 Hind assault helicopters. However, the Mi-35s remain undelivered due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. These aircraft, operated by 3 Squadron and based at Accra AFB, play crucial roles in various operations, including gas pipeline and powerline patrols, coastal fishery patrols, and ambulance flights.
Negotiations with Rosoboronexport for the Mi-35s began a few years ago. Initially, a need for gunships was identified, but financial constraints led to a decision to exchange the planned Mi-35s for Mi-171s. Despite the ongoing conflict, this deal remains in the pipeline.
This is yet another indicator of how the Russia-Ukraine war is impacting African militaries, and forcing them to look elsewhere for critically needed spare parts to keep their military equipment in working order.
The Mi-17 and Mi-171 helicopters, used for troop transport, have been equipped with features such as night sun and a hoist, and can be armed with an AKS74 gun on a swivel. While the aircraft are NVG-capable, there are no plans to upgrade their systems due to the immediate operational needs.
Air Vice Marshal Maxwell Mantserbi-Tei Nagai, the Ghana Air Force’s chief of air staff, highlighted the challenges: “Suggestions have been made to configure them into some more sophisticated weapons system. But that means we have to ground them, pack them and send them off for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), which would take a lot of time. And we need the aircraft now.”
In 2021, Czech Republic’s Lom Praha successfully carried out the overhaul of an Mi-171Sh helicopter belonging to the Ghanaian Air Force. Also, in 2019, in 2019, the Czech company also overhauled an Mi-8MTV-5 (GHF690) for Ghana.
Despite having a capable but small air force, Ghana faces limitations in supporting international missions. Air Vice Marshal Nagai noted that the UN has requested Ghana’s support for helicopter operations in Mali. However, due to internal demands and the current fleet’s state, Ghana is unable to fulfill these requests.
Nagai added, “We have been getting requests from the UN to support, mainly with the helicopter operations in Mali, but, right now, we are not in position to do so. Possibly, when we get new acquisitions, like Mi-35s, then we can consider supporting the UN again. But, for now, we have too much work meeting our own internal demands.”
The ongoing geopolitical situation and funding challenges continue to hamper the Ghana Air Force’s modernization efforts, affecting their operational readiness and international commitments.
Also, Ghana’s intention to buy six L-39NG Albatros light attack and trainer aircraft from Czech Aero vodochody has stalled due to funding constraints.
Ghana’s defence minster on 2 August, 2021 sought parliamentary approval for the procurement of six L-39NG aircraft, in a deal that is reportedly worth EUR111 million ($132 million) and which covers associated products and services and a ground-based training system as well as the six aircraft.
The acquisition was reviewed and approved by Ghana’s parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee on 17 December 2021.
