Farnborough, United Kingdom, 20 July 2026 – The UK’s National Police Air Service (NPAS) has placed an order for an additional two H135 helicopters, bringing the total fleet renewal programme to nine H135s.
The firm order, which follows the arrival of the first two fleet renewal aircraft at Airbus Helicopters in the UK in April for extensive policing customisation, comes under the original 2025 Framework Contract signed with the BlueLight Commercial procurement agency, which confirms Airbus as the exclusive supplier of helicopters for NPAS for up to six years.
“These aircraft will provide a modern, resilient and effective capability for policing, supporting our crews as they respond to incidents, assist officers on the ground and protect the public.
“Together with our partners, we are building a fleet that will serve policing and the public for many years to come, ensuring NPAS remains ready to meet the evolving demands of operational policing,” said Chief Superintendent Fiona Gaffney, NPAS Accountable Manager.
The new helicopters, which will arrive at Airbus’ Oxford site in 2028 ahead of their completion to NPAS’ configuration, will be equipped with Airbus’ Helionix avionics system, new to NPAS pilots who are already conducting training and familiarisation flights with the system which enhances safety and operational effectiveness by markedly reducing pilot workload.
