Ghana Gets Chinese Fighter Jets

The Ghana Armed Forces has taken delivery of two fighter jets to augment its flight of fighter jets of the Ghana Air Force.

The Minister of Defence, Mr. Albert Kan-Dapaah said the jets were particularly necessary in the wake of the discovery of oil.

He said the government was committed to equip the Armed Forces to adequately protect the country from external aggression.

The delivery is in line with the “government’s intention to enhance the operational capabilities of the Ghana Air force to optimum levels”, he added.

The aircrafts were built by the Chinese National Aero-Technology Corporation.

The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Yu Wang Ze said the planes were a demonstration of the giant strides made in Aviation in that country.

He said many first class aviation products had been manufactured by the corporation destined for the international market.

The delivery of the fighter jets forms part of a trade-in for the Golf Stream 3 Presidential jet.

Under the agreement, Ghana will receive four fighter jets and a flight simulator.

The additional cost incurred by Ghana in the deal has not been disclosed but Zimbabwe two years ago acquired 12 less sophisticated jets at the cost of $20 million each.