At the Oxford hangar, the National Police Air Service (NPAS) unveiled a game-changer: the first of seven brand-new Airbus H135 helicopters. Painted in iconic blue and yellow, these cutting-edge choppers are set to revolutionise UK airborne policing for the next decade.
Small Team, Massive Impact
NPAS punches above its weight with just 330 staff across 15 bases. Their helicopters buzz the skies 24/7, tackling high-speed chases, finding missing people, and assisting terror investigations. Last year, they answered more than 16,000 calls. Chief Superintendent Fiona Gaffney put it bluntly: “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.”
High-Tech Helicopters Ready to Fly
- Seven Airbus H135 T3H helos entering service from 2027
- Full Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) for low-light and infrared ops
- 3D spatial audio for sharper crew awareness and reduced fatigue
- Enhanced video, plus 4G and 5G links for lightning-fast data sharing
- Open architecture ready for AI detection, weather radar, and collision avoidance
This isn’t just tech on show — it’s designed so crews can focus on catching crooks, not fiddling with gadgets during fast-paced missions.
Connected for Speed, Backed by Human Skill
The new helicopters will sync seamlessly with officers on the ground, slashing response times and boosting incident management. But this tech won’t replace the human touch.
“The judgement of pilots and tactical officers remains central,” said Gaffney. “Technology assists but doesn’t replace human expertise.”
Drones Join Forces with Helicopters
NPAS is testing drone use alongside helicopters to maximise versatility. While drones offer cost benefits and longer endurance, nothing beats the flexibility and all-around capability of a crewed chopper. The first Airbus H135 will start crew training this year and enter frontline service in early 2027. NPAS plans to retire older models and switch fully to the H135 platform.
Airbus Delivers a UK-Tailored Solution
Richard Atack, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters UK, called it the company’s “most involved civil customisation programme” in the UK. The compact H135 is ideal for tight urban environments and rugged rural terrain.
“The H135’s compact footprint lets NPAS support some of the most inaccessible areas,” Atack said.
Sky Blessing for Safety
The handover ceremony closed with National Police Chaplain Matthew Hopley blessing the fleet, praying for crew and public safety. It’s a powerful symbol of NPAS’s future — technology and humanity teaming up to keep the UK safer than ever.
