Ghana’s air force in a class of its own Posted 8 May 2019 · Add Comment
The Ghana Armed Forces have a small but capable air force. The key to its success is training, as Patrick Dirksen and Frank Mink found out during a recent visit.
Air Vice Marshal Maxwell Mantserbi-Tei Nagai, the Ghana Air Force (GAF) chief of air staff, is absolutely clear about his force’s role. “Our primary job is supporting the army and the navy. Next to that we assist with governmental issues, like disaster management,” he said. “We also help the police and Ghana Gas. “However, our main role is supporting the army with troop transport, airborne forces, paradropping, fighter ground attack and close air support with the helicopters.” Interestingly, aerial photography, transporting the yield from gold mines, and carrying electoral commission personnel during elections also fall under the force’s remit. The GAF’s main air base is at Accra. Two of its recently acquired C295s now fly with the Communication Squadron, having replaced the venerable Fokker F-27s. These aircraft have been put through their paces in Mali, where the Ghanaian forces played a big role in the United Nations mission MINUSMA. A terrorist attack at Gao in 2016, damaging a C295, put an end to that deployment. The aircraft is now operational again. “We fixed it,” said the air vice marshal. “After the bombing, the pilots ran an engines check on the ground and then took off and checked the systems. When that was OK, we backloaded it to Tamale and then finally to Accra. We got support from Airbus, and we fixed it in situ, here in the hangar.” Although the damage was caused while being operated for the UN, Ghana had to pay the €1.2 million ($1.38m) repair bill. When asked about future UN involvement, Nagai was clear: “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.” Ghana has participated in dozens of UN and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) missions since the 60s, and helicopters also played a big role. A recent example was in neighbouring Cote d’Ivoire during the genocide, where A109 helicopters were used as gunships and Bell 412s for troop transport. These have, nowadays, been replaced by Z-9 and Mi-17/171 helicopters. All helicopters are operated by 3 Squadron and are based at Accra AFB. The main roles of the four Z-9s are gas pipeline and powerline patrols, coastal fishery patrols and ambulance flights. “The Z-9 has two stretchers, so it can be used as an ambulance. If the numbers are higher, we go to the Mi-17, which has six stretchers,” said Nagai. Six Mi-17 and Mi-171 ‘Hip’ helicopters also fly with 3 Squadron, replacing the Bell 412 in the troop-lift role. A few years ago, negotiations were held with Rosoboronexport in Russia about the possible sale of Mi-35s. “At the time, the threat level was assessed and it was felt that a few gunships would be needed. However, funding turned out to be a problem and, when the security situation changed, it was decided to exchange the planned three Mi-35s for some Mi-171s instead,” explained Nagai. “But the deal is still in the pipeline.” The Hips are equipped with night sun and a hoist. They can carry sling loads and be armed with an AKS74 gun on a swivel. The cockpit is not digital but it is night vision goggles (NVG)-capable. There are no plans to upgrade the aircraft. “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,” explained Nagai. Also flying from Accra AFB are the K-8s of 4 Squadron that have replaced the L-39 and MB339. “The home base of the squadron is supposed to be in Tamale but, at the time that they arrived, it was not positioned to receive them. Maybe they will move there now; we are thinking about it if the leadership academy is pulled through,” said Nagai. “The role of the aircraft is strike and fast reconnaissance, mostly on border patrols. They can be armed for fighter-ground attack. For their training, we have a live firing range at Bundase, close to Accra. Since we coordinate with the army during combat, we do air power combat fire training together.” K-8 pilots are selected from the fixed-wing training classes and are sent to China for the K-8 conversion. Ever since Takoradi AFB was taken over from the British RAF in 1961, the flying training school (FTS) has been based there. The first aircraft to fly there were Chipmunks donated by the RAF. Later on, Beavers, Otters and Caribous were used. The FTS still has venerable Cessna 172s, although these haven’t flown for years. Initial flying training is now completed on a Diamond DA42, operated by 1 Squadron. After a selection process in Accra, student pilots get their initial 10 hours of flying experience on the DA42 before they are sent to Bristow Academy for helicopter pilots or the Flight Safety Academy for fixed-wing pilots, both in the US. After the period overseas, students destined for the fixed-wing squadrons return to Takoradi for follow-up training on the DA42, while the helicopter pilots go directly to their squadron. No 1 Squadron operates three DA42s. Of these, one (registered GHF120) fulfils the training role while the other two (GHF121 and 122) are dedicated surveillance aircraft. A DA42 simulator has also been procured from Diamond to facilitate instrument flying training and in-flight failure training. The GAF’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capability comes from the two surveillance DA42s, which are both equipped with the SAFIRE sensor suite. The aircraft were modified in the UK by DO Systems, which also supplied a dedicated DA42 crewman trainer simulator. Their main roles are maritime surveillance, reconnaissance and internal security operations for the police forces. A regular crew consists of one pilot and one crewman, who operates the sensors. A typical maritime surveillance mission can take up to 12 hours and can be flown in both day and night under visual flight rules (VFR) and instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions. The Hawkeye system allows real-time transmission of sensor data. The Diamonds also contribute to the international organisation, Oceans Beyond Piracy. Together with the Ivory Coast, Togo, Benin and Nigeria, Ghana is responsible for Zone E and Zone F in the Gulf of Guinea. “There is cooperation between the navies and among the air forces in securing the coasts of these countries, so we do joint exercises at sea with the navy, with helicopters, for example, rappelling the special forces on to the ships,” said Nagai. The Diamond is also fighting against drug trafficking: “One time, it had to fly 350 nautical miles out to sea to bust a cocaine ship,” said Nagai. “This mothership was anchored and was offloading goods on to smaller ships. With collaboration of the British and the Americans they got spotted. The navy could only go to 200nm, so we scrambled the Diamond and it took the pictures that were needed as evidence.” There is also a Z-9 detachment at Takoradi, operating under 1 Squadron. “Their base is in Accra but, at any time, we have one or two Z-9s in Takoradi, just in case Ghana Gas requires assistance.” Besides operational aircraft, Takoradi AFB also houses a newly built Air Force Recruit Training School. Operational since July 2018, it carries out basic military training for new airmen as well as on-the-job training for when they pass out. Also, all personnel will be trained there to be sent out for future United Nations missions. Every year between five and 15 student pilots get their wings. Furthermore there is cooperation with the outside world regarding technicians, as Nagai explained: “The Accra-based University of Ghana started running an aerospace engineering programme. They requested a decommissioned aircraft that could be used as a mock-up training device. So we delivered an MB339 and our engineers put it back together and connected the power so the systems could be run for training purposes.” Also based at Accra AFB is the School of Trade Training (SoTT). “Students from the aerospace engineering department of the Kwame Nkrumah University come here for six weeks every year for practical training. After that, we are inundated with applications to join [the GAF]. Some airlines also send their technicians to do a course at the SoTT, showing the good collaboration we have within civil aviation.” The smallest of the country’s three airbases regarding flying operations is Tamale, which was built in 1966 with help of the former Soviet Union. One of the Casa 295s is based there, flying with 2 Squadron, although at the time of writing it was undergoing its initial heavy maintenance check with Airbus in Spain after being in service for six years. Nagai said: “Most transport aircraft tasks originate from Accra. But this aircraft is based at Tamale because of the airborne forces, which are also based there. Its main task is supporting them during their parachute jumping training and deployments.” Also assisting in this training is F-27 G521. This aircraft made the last operational flight of the type in 2013, after which it was delivered to Tamale. “The Fokker 27 and 28 have done something like 35 years. They’ve really served us very well,” said Nagai. “Ask the engineers on the F-27 and they will tell you they would love to go back to Fokker. But, of course, Fokker has folded up; we‘re not getting spare parts anymore, and they have done their duty. So they were decommissioned.” One last aircraft – the Fokker 28 that used to fly the president of Ghana – is for sale and is kept in flyable condition. Its engines are being run regularly. The Communication Squadron nowadays flies the president in a Falcon 900EX. “This aircraft is on the civil register, so the maintenance regime is strictly by the civil aviation regulations.” Nagai also discussed plans to establish an air force base in the centre of the country, around Atebubu. “The idea is to establish a helicopter squadron there, so we could reach both north and south. Furthermore, there are plans to have a joint forward operating base (FOB) with the navy somewhere in the west, because of the oil find. “All these are still on the drawing board, but the final approval, of course, needs to come from the government.” There are also plans to expand. “The air force is already much bigger than when I joined in 1980. But, as the economy grows and the population grows, there will be new requirements,” said Nagai. The Super Tucano is high on his wish list. “In 2013 this came up. The chief of air staff at the time assessed the threat level and we looked at the capabilities of the Super Tucano and we recommended it to the government. It would be used both as a strike aircraft and a trainer. “So far it didn’t get put though, but negotiations with the manufacturers in Brazil are not closed totally. We still need it and, while we are also looking for alternatives, the Super Tucano remains the key in our new acquisitions.” The intention was to get four aircraft and one simulator, Nagai said: “We plan to base them at Tamale AFB to re-establish the flying training school there, attached to the brand new Air Force Leadership Training School that we have in Tamale now. A smart hangar has already been built there to receive the Super Tucano.” Currently, there are no plans to get additional helicopters for the coming three to five years. An option for a fourth C295 will not be taken up for now.
Ghana has ordered eight patrol vessels and is building a new naval base, Minister of Defence Dominic Nitiwul announced at the International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEC) conference held in Accra on 24 July.
A government statement cited Nitiwul as saying a USD200 million contract had been signed covering the construction of a new forward operating base at Edzinlibo in the Western Region that would enable the navy “to receive associated offshore patrol boats for effective maritime patrols”.
The Daily Guide newspaper quoted Nitiwul as saying the USD200 million covered both the base and offshore patrol vessels “capable of staying at sea for a long time to be able to patrol our exclusive economic zone”.
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Sujet: Re: Armée Ghanéene/Ghana Armed Forces Jeu 14 Nov 2019 - 22:45
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Sujet: Re: Armée Ghanéene/Ghana Armed Forces Sam 17 Oct 2020 - 20:23
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Ghana approves the purchase of 19 Israeli armored vehicles from Elbit Systems
Defense News October 2020 Global Security army industry Posted On Saturday, 17 October 2020 09:34
According to information published by Defence Web on October 16, 2020, Ghana has approved the purchase of 19 wheeled armored vehicles from the Israeli company Elbit Systems.
Sentinel II 8x8 armored vehicle fitted with Elbit Systems UT30 30 mm remotely operated turret. (Picture source Elbit Systems Australia)
Citing Defence Web, In terms of the agreement, Israeli company Elbit Land Systems will supply nine 8×8 Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) equipped with Elbit Systems UT30 30 mm remotely operated turrets. The order includes ten 6×6 IFVs fitted for reconnaissance operations.
Currently, Ghana armed forces are equipped with 3 EE-9 Cascavel, 24 Ratel-90 with 90mm cannon, 15 Ratel-20 with 20mm cannon, 4 Piranha with 25mm cannon, 5 Type-05P 25mm, 46 first version of Piranha 8x8 armored vehicles.
There is no information about the type of vehicle that will be delivered to the Ghana armed forces, but Elbit Systems has developed the Sentinel an 8x8 armored vehicle based on the Terrex 2 designed by ST Kinetics of Singapore.
The Sentinel is an 8x8 armored reconnaissance vehicle jointly designed and developed by the Companies ST Kinetics of Singapore and Elbit Systems Australia. Team Sentinel, led by Elbit Systems of Australia (ELSA), offered the Sentinel II for the Australian Land 400 Mounted Combat Reconnaissance Capability (MCRC) request for tender.
The Sentinel is an integrated combination of Terrex 2 8x8 armored vehicle personnel carrier, the Elbit Land System's MT30 30mm turret. Featuring high first-round and burst hit probability, the dual-axis stabilized UT30 is designed for firing on the move and at moving targets.
The Sentinel II is based on the Terrex 2 armored vehicle personnel carrier using hull and powerpack components. The hull of the vehicle is of all-welded steel armor construction to which an additional layer of passive armor can be added for a higher level of battlefield survivability.
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Sujet: Re: Armée Ghanéene/Ghana Armed Forces Dim 25 Oct 2020 - 17:25
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21 October 2020
Ghanaian Navy opens new training complex
by Jeremy Binnie
Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo inaugurated a new Naval Training Command (Navtrac) facility that aims to be a regiona l centre of excellence for West Africa.
The new School of Maritime Operations at the Navtrac complex. (The President of the Republic of Ghana)
“The establishment of this ultra-modern training facility is one of the most important decisions taken by government, through the Ministry of Defence and the Military High Command,” the president said during the opening on 20 October.
The new facility is located at the site of a defunct fruit processing factory on the eastern bank of the Volta estuary in the South Tongu District of Volta Region.
In his televised speech, Chief of the Navy Staff Rear Admiral Seth Amoama explained how this location “offers opportunity for waterborne training on the river and easy access for training boats to sail out to the open sea, along the same concept as the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, UK, where most Ghanaian naval offices were trained”.
The initial development consisted of a floating jetty, obstacle course, recruit accommodation, and dining facility and began training in 2016, with the first recruits graduating the following year.
Rear Adm Amoama subsequently suspended the training “to develop this training command into a world-class training facility that accommodates all navy training schools that are currently located in operational commands and also develop the command into a maritime training centre of excellence for the sub-region”.
Work on the first phase began in September 2019 and included the construction of a command headquarters building, school for maritime operations, recruit training school administration block, instructors’ accommodation, medical centre, library, and mosque.
Ghana has officially received first Otokar Cobra 2 4x4 armored vehicles
Defense News April 2021 Global Security army industry
POSTED ON TUESDAY, 06 APRIL 2021 19:39
According to pictures released by the Official Website of The Presidency Republic of Ghana, the Turkish company Otokar has delivered Cobra 1 and Cobra 2 4x4 armored vehicles to Ghana armed forces.
Ghana armed forces have officially received first Otokar Cobra 4x4 light armored vehicles in March 2021. (Picture source Facebook Presidency Republic of Ghana)
Ghana’s armed forces are among the most capable in the region, with a long-term development plan covering both the current and the next decade.
Ghana has started to develop forward-operating bases, principally with the objective of protecting oil resources. Plans persist to develop air capabilities. There have been some defense acquisitions from China. Ghana has a limited defense-industrial base, including maintenance facilities and ammunition manufacturing as well as a more recent armored-vehicle production capability.
According to SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute) Arms Trade Database, Ghana has ordered 30 4x4 armored vehicles in Cobra 1 and Cobra 2 versions. Those were delivered from 2018 to 2019. On March 31, 2021, Ghana armed forces have officially received the first new Cobra 2 4x4 light armored vehicles.
The Cobra is a family of light 4x4 armored vehicles designed and manufactured by the Turkish company Otokar. The first vehicles entered in service with the Turkish army in 1997. The hull of the vehicle has an all-welded monocoque steel hull providing protection against firing of small arms up to 7.62mm.
In APC (Armored Personnel Carrier) variant, the Cobra 1 can accommodate up to 11 military personnel including driver and commander. The roof of the vehicle can be fitted with a one-man manually-operated turret armed with a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun. The amphibious version of the Cobra has a combat weight of 6.3 tones and is propelled in the water at a maximum speed of 8 km/h by two propellers mounted on either side under the hull rear.
The Cobra 2 is the latest generation of wheeled armored vehicle in the family of Cobra. The design of the vehicle is based on a monocoque hull structure. The new version of the Cobra has a higher payload and a larger internal volume.
The Cobra 2 was unveiled in May 2013 during the International Defense Exhibition that was held in Istanbul. It was developed over the existing Cobra 4x4 armored vehicle, as a modular platform with superior technical and tactical characteristics.
The Cobra 2 offers high level of protection against ballistic and mine threats. According to the manufacturer, it is an MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) category of combat vehicle which is designed specifically to withstand a blast of improvised explosive device (IED) attacks and ambushes.
Republic of Ghana looking to buy 6 Aero Vodochody L-39NG jet trainer
Defense Aviation News August 2021 aerospace air force industry
POSTED ON MONDAY, 09 AUGUST 2021 15:44
The Republic of Ghana is looking to procure six Aero Vodochody L-39NG aircraft for the Armed Forces of Ghana through a loan agreement worth € 111.3 million ($ 132 million). On August 2, Ghana’s Defense Minister sought parliamentary approval to procure six L-39NG aircraft from the Czech company Aero Vodochody.
Republic of Ghana looking to buy 6 Aero Vodochody L 39NG jet trainer L-39NG trainer jet (Picture source: Aero Vodochody)
The L-39NG is a jet trainer and light attack cost effective platform. The L-39NG is a single-engine two-seater with staggered seating and an advanced cockpit design that includes full glass cockpit, a sophisticated on board virtual training system and a Helmet Mounted Display.
The L-39NG is a key component of an innovative training concept developed by Aero that includes state-of-the-art ground-based training devices, new learning methods and environment and extensive use of Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence technologies. The L-39NG has been designed as a maintenance-friendly aircraft in anticipation of many decades of service.
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Sujet: Re: Armée Ghanéene/Ghana Armed Forces Mar 31 Mai 2022 - 21:59
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UK to send 70 Husky TSV 4x4 armored vehicles to Ghana
Defense News May 2022 Global Security army industry
POSTED ON TUESDAY, 31 MAY 2022 08:59
According to Army Technology, the British Army will send 70 Husky TSV 4x4 armoured vehicles to Ghana and provide related training regarding the operation and regular maintenance of these vehicles.
British Husky TSV armoured vehicle. (Picture source: Andrew Linnett/commons.wikimedia.org)
The announcement comes during British Minister for Africa Vicky Ford’s visit to Ghana, Army Technology reports. As part of the UK-Ghana security and defence partnership, a deal will see 70 Husky armoured vehicles arriving in the African country, the Ghana News Agency reported, citing a statement issued by the UK High Commission in Accra.
The International MXT-MV (Military Extreme Truck - Military Version) is an infantry mobility vehicle produced by Navistar Defense, a subsidiary of Navistar International, which is the owner of the International brand of vehicles. Introduced in 2006 and developed in parallel with the civilian International MXT, the MXT-MV is extensively modified for military duty compared to its civilian counterpart. It is transportable by a Lockheed C-130 Hercules military aircraft.
The Husky is a variant of the MXT-MVA modified to satisfy the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence requirements for the Tactical Support Vehicle (TSV) program for the British Army. Husky is a protected support vehicle, providing a highly mobile and flexible load-carrying vehicle. It has been designed for a wide range of missions, including transporting food, water and ammunition, and acting as a command vehicle at headquarters. Armed with a machine gun, Husky joins its sister vehicles Wolfhound and Coyote as part of the tactical support vehicle programme. Some vehicles are fitted out as specialised recovery vehicles or fitted with a heavy machine gun or grenade machine gun.
Husky variants
Variants are available with three different cab configurations: standard, extended cab, and crew cab.
MXT-MV Standard, unarmored version.
MXT-MVA The MXT-MVA (Military Extreme Truck - Military Version Armored) was designed by Israeli vehicle manufacturer Plasan. It offers the choice of two removable armor kits, dubbed A-Kit and B-Kit, with increasing levels of protection against bullets, mines and improvised explosive devices.
Husky TSV The Husky is a variant of the MXT-MVA modified to satisfy the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence requirements for the Tactical Support Vehicle (TSV) program for the British Army.
M-ATV Navistar built its rejected M-ATV candidate sharing some powertrain and suspension components with the MXT, but with a unique chassis. This protection system was designed by Navistar rather than its normal MXT and MRAP partner, Plasan.
UK to send 70 Husky TSV 4x4 armored vehicles to Ghana | Defense News May 2022 Global Security army industry | Defense Security global news industry army year 2022 | Archive News year (armyrecognition.com)
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Sujet: Re: Armée Ghanéene/Ghana Armed Forces Mer 28 Juin 2023 - 20:48
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JUN 28
US gives two former Marine Protector class patrol boats to Ghana
According to information published by the Ghanaian MoD on June 28, 2023, the United States offers two patrol boats to the Ghana Navy. Guy Martin has learned that they are two former Marine Protector-class patrol boats.
Marine Protector class patrol boats. (Picture source: Ghana DoD)
World Defence News: US gives two former Marine Protector class patrol boats to Ghana
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The President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), @NAkufoAddo commissioned two Boundary Class Ships, Ghana Navy Ship (GNS) HALF ASSINI and GNS AFLAO for the Ghana Navy at the Western Naval Command….Read more:https://t.co/R2pHx477z0pic.twitter.com/EaqeNCwTk5
European Union strengthens Ghana's border security with 105 armored vehicles
The European Union has delivered 105 armored vehicles to Ghana as part of a comprehensive €616 million aid initiative aimed at improving the border security of West African nations along the Gulf of Guinea. These countries are facing the growing threat of jihadist violence emanating from the Sahel region.
The fleet comprises 13 Land Cruiser pickup trucks, 10 GMC Sierras, as well as a variety of Toyota Land Cruisers, Toyota single cabins, Chevrolet Silverados, and Sierra pickup truckss (Picture source: Ghana News Agency GNA)
Poly Technologies Incorporated, China and B&G African Trading representatives have handed over a newly acquired Ground Artillery Equipment (GAE) to Ghana Armed Forces Battle Training Camp, Bundase on 7 December 2023.
The newly-acquired GAE comprises 122 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS), 1 Reconnaissance Vehicle, 1 Command Vehicle, 7200x122mm rockets, spare parts and accessories.
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Sujet: Re: Armée Ghanéene/Ghana Armed Forces Sam 11 Mai 2024 - 19:33
Video from March 2024 showing chinese made 122 mm SR-4/PLH-11 multiple rocket launchers systems based on the Shaanxi SX2190 of the Ghanaian military. pic.twitter.com/lsGF1D88c1
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Sujet: Re: Armée Ghanéene/Ghana Armed Forces Mar 4 Juin 2024 - 0:02
Video showing german made 8 x 8 MAN KAT-1 trucks turned into self propelled MRLS with 122 mm rocket launch tubes and hinese made 122 mm SR-4/PLH-11 MRLS based on the Shaanxi SX2190 of the Ghanaian military,March 6th 2024. pic.twitter.com/dUJux9eXuW
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Sujet: Re: Armée Ghanéene/Ghana Armed Forces Sam 22 Juin 2024 - 22:13
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Sujet: Re: Armée Ghanéene/Ghana Armed Forces Ven 28 Juin 2024 - 23:24
Video showing south african made Ratel-90 infantry fighting vehicles,turkish made Otokar I & II and swiss made Mowag Piranha armored personnel carriers of the Ghanaian military during a exercise. pic.twitter.com/ktXc27b7Us