Airbus Helicopters: UK's NPAS Orders Two Additional H135s
The British National Police Air Service (NPAS) has ordered two additional H135 helicopters on July 20, 2026, increasing their renewal fleet total to nine. This order is part of the 2025 framework agreement with BlueLight Commercial agency, designating Airbus as the exclusive helicopter supplier for six years.
Order Under the 2025 Framework Agreement
The National Police Air Service (NPAS), which conducts aerial operations for the 43 police forces of England and Wales, placed an order for two additional H135 helicopters from Airbus Helicopters. This firm order is covered by a framework agreement signed in 2025 with the BlueLight Commercial agency, establishing Airbus as the exclusive helicopter supplier for NPAS for up to six years. The order brings the total number of H135s ordered under the fleet renewal program to nine. The first two aircraft were delivered to the Airbus Helicopters site in Oxford in April 2026 to undergo significant customization to police standards before being put into service.
Delivery in 2028 and Avionic Equipment
The two additional helicopters will arrive at the Airbus site in Oxford in 2028, before their integration into the NPAS configuration. They will be equipped with Airbus's Helionix avionic system, which is new to the NPAS pilots who are already undergoing training and familiarization flights with this system. Helionix is designed to enhance safety and operational efficiency by significantly reducing the workload of pilots. NPAS currently operates 16 H135s and four H145s from 14 bases covering England and Wales. Airbus Helicopters also provides maintenance and support for this fleet, which includes some of the most intensely used police helicopters in the world.
