At the Oxford hangar, the National Police Air Service (NPAS) unveiled the first of seven brand-new Airbus H135 helicopters. Painted in iconic blue and yellow, these state-of-the-art helicopters are set to transform UK airborne policing for the next decade.
NPAS operates with a small team of just 330 staff across 15 bases. Their helicopters operate 24/7, supporting high-speed chases, locating missing persons, and assisting with counter-terrorism investigations. In the previous year, NPAS responded to over 16,000 calls.
Chief Superintendent Fiona Gaffney commented, “Our current fleet is like a 20-year-old mobile phone. These seven new helicopters ensure we can keep a vital crewed air service for years to come.”
The new fleet includes seven Airbus H135 T3H helicopters entering service from 2027. They feature a Full Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) for low-light and infrared operations, 3D spatial audio to improve crew awareness and reduce fatigue, enhanced video capabilities, and 4G and 5G connectivity for rapid data sharing. The helicopters also have an open architecture designed to support AI detection, weather radar, and collision avoidance systems.
This advanced technology is designed to allow crews to focus on operational tasks rather than managing equipment during fast-paced missions.
The new helicopters will integrate seamlessly with officers on the ground, reducing response times and improving incident management. However, Chief Superintendent Gaffney emphasized the importance of human expertise, stating, “The judgement of pilots and tactical officers remains central. Technology assists but doesn’t replace human expertise.”
NPAS is also testing the use of drones alongside helicopters to increase operational versatility. While drones offer cost advantages and longer endurance, crewed helicopters provide unmatched flexibility and capability.
The first Airbus H135 will begin crew training this year and is expected to enter frontline service in early 2027. NPAS plans to retire older helicopter models and transition fully to the H135 platform.
Richard Atack, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters UK, described the project as the company’s “most involved civil customisation programme” in the UK. He noted that the compact H135 is well suited for both urban environments and rugged rural terrain. “The H135’s compact footprint lets NPAS support some of the most inaccessible areas,” Atack said.
The handover ceremony concluded with National Police Chaplain Matthew Hopley blessing the new fleet, praying for the safety of crew members and the public. This gesture symbolises NPAS’s commitment to combining technology and human dedication to enhance safety across the UK.
Originally published by UKNIP.
