Light Dark

News

CATIC Vice President Meets COAS to Strengthen Defence Collaboration

A five-member delegation from China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC), led by Vice President Li Houding, paid a courtesy call on the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, at the Army Headquarters on Wednesday, 9 July 2025.

 

Vice President Li Houding expressed his appreciation for the warm reception as well as the opportunity that was given to their representative on 2 July 2025 to present and introduce some of CATIC’s aviation products. He explained that CATIC is a state-owned Chinese company specializing in aviation equipment, supplying the majority of aviation technology to China’s Army, Air Force, and Navy. He expressed honour in collaborating with the Ghana Armed Forces for the past 20 years.

 

Li Houding thanked High Command for their trust and highlighted the significant progress and achievements in the aviation industry. Also, he emphasized their eagerness to share these advancements with the Ghana Army. From his perspective, some of the products presented would meet the Army’s operational needs, based on CATIC’s extensive experience with their own military and other countries.

 

He also noted the increasing importance of the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) in modern military operations, stating that as the Army operates on the ground through the air, UAS capabilities are essential at this time. He expressed confidence in future cooperation and invited the COAS to visit China for a firsthand look at their equipment to build greater confidence in their industry capabilities.

 

Additionally, he mentioned that CATIC has showcased some of their models at the fourth edition of the International Maritime Defence Exhibition Conference 2025 (IMDEC 25), which would facilitate mutual understanding between both parties.

 

In response, the COAS warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for the visit. He acknowledged the critical role of land power projection and UAVs as the Army’s eyes for surveillance and intelligence gathering in the battle space. Given the security challenges in the northern regions, he stressed that these capabilities are vital for the ongoing operation and assured of continued cooperation in future endeavours.

 

As a gesture of appreciation, Vice President Li Houding presented the COAS with a souvenir from the 4th IMDEC, while the COAS reciprocated with a customized plaque and a Ghana Army Kente Stole to honor the visit.