NPAS Orders Two More Airbus H135s, Fleet Renewal Reaches Nine

The United Kingdom’s National Police Air Service (NPAS) has expanded its fleet renewal program with a firm order for two additional Airbus H135 helicopters, bringing the total number of new H135s on order to nine.

Announced in a press release on July 20, 2026, at the Farnborough International Airshow, the agreement builds on a 2025 Framework Contract negotiated alongside BlueLight Commercial. That contract established Airbus as the exclusive helicopter supplier for NPAS for a period of up to six years. The two newly ordered rotorcraft are scheduled to arrive at Airbus Helicopters’ Oxford facility for police-specific configuration in 2028.

Modernizing the UK police aviation fleet

NPAS currently operates a mixed fleet comprising 16 Airbus H135 and four Airbus H145 helicopters. These aircraft operate from 14 locations to support 43 police forces across England and Wales. The fleet renewal program aims to replace older airframes and standardize the technology available to airborne law enforcement crews.

The first two Airbus H135 helicopters from the initial renewal order arrived at the Airbus Helicopters facility in the UK in April 2026 to begin their policing customization process.

“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,” said Chief Superintendent Fiona Gaffney, Accountable Manager for NPAS. “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.”

Avionics upgrades and Farnborough context

The incoming H135 helicopters will be equipped with the Airbus Helionix avionics system. To prepare for the transition, NPAS pilots have already commenced familiarization flights and training on the new suite. The Helionix system is designed to reduce pilot workload and improve situational awareness during complex law enforcement operations.

Richard Atack, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in the UK, stated that the company’s Oxford facility will utilize its design and customization expertise to equip the fleet with the latest security and policing technology.

The NPAS order was one of several rotorcraft agreements announced by Airbus on the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow. The manufacturer also secured an order for eight Airbus H145 helicopters from Saudi Arabia’s The Helicopter Company (THC).

AirPro News analysis

The decision by NPAS to exercise options for additional H135s underscores the operational value of fleet commonality. By committing to a single manufacturer through the 2025 Framework Contract, NPAS simplifies its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) requirements while streamlining pilot training. The transition to the Helionix avionics suite across the new airframes will likely yield long-term safety and efficiency benefits for crews operating in high-workload urban environments. We view this incremental order as a strong indicator that the initial customization and integration phases of the fleet renewal program are proceeding according to schedule.

Sources: Airbus