AFRICA: Military Transport Planes for Ghana

Defense Ministry Buying Two C295s

A Chilean Navy C295 equipped for anti-submarine warfare. Photo courtesy of Airbus Military

The defense ministry of the West African nation of Ghana is buying two C295 medium-sized transport planes from Airbus Military, a unit of EADS.

According to EADS North America, Ghana’s Air Force plans to use the twin-engine turboprop cargo planes to move troops “and other security agencies” across the country “and within the West African” sub-region.

The short take off and landing aircraft can also be used for medical evacuation, transporting paratroops, training and humanitarian operations – including assisting organizations such as United Nations peace missions. Ghana has sent troops on peacekeeping missions to Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Liberia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The rear-loading aircraft can transport 71 troops or five standard cargo pallets or air drop 50 paratroopers.

C295 airborne drop. Photo courtesy of Airbus Military

Under a contract signed with Airbus Military, the Ghanian Defense Ministry is to take delivery starting in 2012. Financial details were not disclosed but according to the website GhanaWeb, the contract announcement comes just a week after Ghana’s parliament approved $105.4 million to purchase “a number of aircraft.”

While there’s no indication Ghana intends to use the C295s for maritime patrols, the the South African website Defence Web notes there has been a dramatic increase in pirates attacks in the Gulf of Guinea. That could increase as more and more oil is shipped from the region. Ghana, expected to be a major oil producer soon, began production in December 2010.

GHANA via CIA World Factbook