A four-member delegation from Pro Heli International Services Ltd on Monday 15 January 2024 visited the Air Force Headquarters. The purpose of the visit was to discuss ways of collaborating with the Ghana Air Force (GHF) in the areas of aircraft repair, maintenance and overhaul.

In a meeting with the Chief Staff Officer (CSO), Air Commodore (Air Cdre) Eric Yirenkyi, the delegation revealed that the meeting was a follow-up to a previously held meeting in Uganda where GHF expressed interest in a mutually beneficial partnership. They were therefore in Ghana to conduct an inspection and assessment of the MI 17SH helicopters for further actions.

The CSO, Air Cdre Yirenkyi welcomed the delegation and noted that their visit was timely as the GHF was currently taking stock of all aircraft state to ensure their serviceability while making efforts to procure new ones. This he said was in line with the Chief of the Air Staff’s vision of building the capacity of platforms to enable the Air Force carry out its mandate effectively and efficiently.

Beyond the technical aspect, the visit by the delegation is geared towards fostering a lasting collaboration and partnership with the GHF thus establishing a strategic alliance poised to enhance the Air Force’s capabilities of defending the territorial airspace of the country.

The delegation comprised the Production Manager, Mr Eduard Konopatski, Technical Engineer, Mr Eyetu Samuel and two local representatives, Mr Eric Mensah and Mr Erik Yarboi.

Pro Heli International Services Ltd is a joint venture between the National Enterprise Cooperation (NEC) and business arm of the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces. The company specializes in Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) for MI-8, MI-17, MI-171, MI-24 and MI-35 helicopters.

Pro Heli MRO services include practical training for technicians within its facility and also carrying out comprehensive upgrades to enhance aircraft operational capabilities such as advanced weaponry which includes gun mounts and rocket launchers.