Ghana Airforce Stuns with Spectacular Flight Demonstration, Showcasing Military Prowess and Technological Advancements

The Ghana Airforce has organised a static display and flight demonstration to showcase the agility and performance of its aircraft’s as well as the flexibility and capabilities of the military pilots.
The event which took place at the Airforce Base had seven aircraft were on display, including the MI 171 SH, Z 9 and the K8.
In addition, there was also a display of an A-29 Super Tuncano Static jet which was brought to Ghana through a collaboration among the Ghana Airforce, Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) and Embraer Defence and Security to provide a platform for negotiations and future acquisition.
Ghana Airforce jet fighter pilot, Squadron Leader Reginald Kenney partnered with his Brazilian counterpart, Colonel Ferreira Botelho to treat the patrons of the display to an exciting display of features.

Jet Display
The first to take flight was the A-29 Super Tuncano Static jet which is a turboprop aircraft designed for light attack, counter-insurgency, and reconnaissance missions.
It conducted an air-to-ground simulation that serves multiple purposes, including military training, mission planning, tactics evaluation and equipment testing.
It manoeuvred with agility and finesse, executing high-G turns and low-level passes demonstrating its versatility and responsiveness in dynamic combat environments.
From strafing runs to simulated strafing, the A-29 showcased its ability to deliver devastating firepower while maintaining superior situational awareness.
Right after it landed, other aircraft also took off in a trail formation with three K8 jets flying very close together and at nearly identical altitudes, resulting in an extremely tight formation.
More daring maneuvers followed as the jets split into pairs, banking sharply and tumbling upside down in unison, showcasing their exceptional agility.
These daring moves electrified the crowd who gasped and cheered as the pilots pushed the cutting-edge jets to their limits.
Dignitaries at the event were the Minister of Defence, Dominic Nitiwul, Minsiter for the Interior, Henry Quartey, a member of the Council of State, Sam Okudzeto as well as the military high command.

Building a smart Airforce
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Fredrick Asare Kwasi Bekoe, said the demonstration was in line with his vision to build a smart Air Force capable of defending the country’s territorial air space against any threat and deliver Air Power effectively and efficiently for National Development while enhancing the welfare of Airmen.
Additionally, he said it was very timely as it gave the force the opportunity to critically consider the Super Tucano aircraft as an appropriate offensive platform to enhance its deterrent and offensive posture within the sub-region.
He said the Super Tucano aircraft was a light attack, combat proven and reconnaissance aircraft used in most Air Forces worldwide.
He said it was known for its rugged and durable design allowing it to operate from unimproved runways and forward operating bases with target sensors and precision guided munitions.
“The Super Tucano therefore has the potential of enhancing Ghana Air Force’s counterinsurgency and counterterrorism drive to safeguard our borders and also deal with piracy issues in our maritime domain,” Air Vice Marshal Bekoe said.
He, therefore, expressed his appreciation to the SNC and Embraer Defence for accepting to put up the display.

Efforts in counter- terrorism
The Minister of Defence said the prevailing security landscape within the sub-region underscored the imperative for nations including Ghana to prioritise efforts in counter-terrorism and various forms of asymmetric warfare.
Drawing insights from experience in Iraq, Afghanistan and Ukraine, he said it is evident that airpower confers a crucial asymmetric advantage, capable of decisively impacting engagements, where adversaries possess advantages in other domains.
He said the control of the air had, therefore, become paramount, as air superiority formed the foundation for successful counter insurgency operations.
Mr Nitiwul said he was pleased to witness the partnership between the Ghana Air Force, the SNC and the Embraer Defence and Security,
as they work together to align the objectives for future cooperation.

@ a glance
The Ghana Airforce has organised a flight demonstration to showcase the agility and performance of its aircraft’s as well as the flexibility and capabilities of the military pilots.

By Joshua Bediako Koomson