Czech Ministry of Interior Acquires 11 Airbus H145 Helicopters for Police Aviation Service

On May 27, 2026, the Czech Ministry of Interior formalized a significant aviation acquisition, signing a contract with Airbus Helicopters for 11 five-bladed H145 helicopters. According to the official press release, these new aircraft will be operated by the Czech Police Aviation Service.

The incoming fleet will serve as the primary aerial asset for the country’s law enforcement, search and rescue (SAR), and emergency medical services (EMS). The comprehensive agreement includes not only the delivery of the 11 helicopters but also an extensive training and logistics support package designed to ensure seamless operational integration from the moment of delivery.

This acquisition marks a major milestone in the modernization of the Czech Republic’s public safety infrastructure. As noted in the Airbus announcement, the deal builds upon a 25-year relationship between the European aerospace manufacturer and the Central European nation, reinforcing deep industrial and economic ties.

Fleet Modernization and Transition

Replacing the Legacy H135 Fleet

The Czech Police Aviation Service is a long-standing operator of Airbus rotorcraft, currently utilizing a fleet of nine H135 family helicopters. Based on the provided project background, the incoming H145s are specifically intended to replace this aging fleet. Because the Czech police already operate the H135, transitioning to the H145 is considered a logical evolution. The two helicopter models share a high degree of technical and operational commonality, which Airbus states will significantly ease the integration process for both flight crews and maintenance teams.

Advanced Training Preparations

Preparation for this fleet upgrade has been underway for some time. Industry data shows that in August 2024, the Czech Police purchased an H145 FNPT II MCC flight simulator from Entrol. This simulator features a spherical visual seven-channel system and a custom database covering key Czech airports, including Prague, Karlovy Vary, and Ostrava. This early investment has allowed pilots to train for critical situations, such as firefighting and SAR operations, well before the physical delivery of the new helicopters.

Technical Capabilities of the H145

Performance and Avionics

The five-bladed Airbus H145 is marketed as a state-of-the-art, multi-role aircraft designed for mission flexibility. Compared to the current H135 fleet, the H145 will significantly enhance the police force’s tactical range and lifting capacity. The aircraft is powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC). Furthermore, it features the advanced Helionix digital avionics suite and a high-performance four-axis autopilot, which Airbus notes increases safety and reduces pilot workload during complex missions.

Environmental and Operational Benefits

For urban law enforcement and nighttime medical missions, acoustic footprint is a critical factor. The manufacturer highlights that the H145 is the quietest helicopter in its class and claims it produces the lowest CO2 emissions among its competitors. Globally, the H145 family has a proven track record, with more than 1,800 helicopters in service having logged over 8.5 million flight hours. Of these, more than 200 are specifically utilized for public service and law enforcement missions worldwide.

“We are honoured that the Czech Ministry of Interior has chosen the H145 to support its vital missions,” stated Thomas Hein, Head of Europe Region at Airbus Helicopters, in the official release. “As the Czech police currently operate the H135, transitioning to the H145 is the logical next step in their fleet’s evolution, allowing crews and maintenance teams to benefit from a high degree of commonality and ensure seamless operational readiness from day one.”

Broader Defense and Economic Context

National Aviation Overhaul

This helicopter acquisition is part of a much larger, ongoing effort by the Czech Republic to modernize its national aviation and defense capabilities. Recent developments in the country’s defense sector include the extension of its Saab Gripen fighter lease until 2035, bridging the gap until the anticipated arrival of 24 new Lockheed Martin F-35A fighters. Additionally, the Czech Republic signed an agreement with Embraer for two C-390 Millennium transport aircraft, with the first delivery expected in 2025. In late 2025, the Ministry of the Interior also secured an option to acquire up to three modernized UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters for the Air Service of the Police.

AirPro News analysis

We view this H145 contract as a strategic continuation of the Czech Republic’s comprehensive aviation overhaul. By standardizing on Airbus for its light-twin police operations while simultaneously upgrading its heavy transport and fighter capabilities with other allied defense contractors, Prague is systematically replacing legacy platforms with interoperable, modern equipment. Furthermore, the economic symbiosis between Airbus and the Czech Republic cannot be overstated. With Airbus currently sourcing over €200 million worth of goods from the Czech Republic annually, this procurement reinforces a mutually beneficial industrial partnership that extends well beyond a standard vendor-client transaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many helicopters did the Czech Ministry of Interior order? The contract is for 11 five-bladed Airbus H145 helicopters.
• What will the new helicopters be used for? They will be operated by the Czech Police Aviation Service for law enforcement, search and rescue (SAR), and emergency medical services (EMS).
• What aircraft are the H145s replacing? They will replace the current fleet of nine Airbus H135 helicopters.

Sources

• Airbus Helicopters Press Release