NPAS gains funding for additional helicopters

Image courtesy NPAS

The announcement represents a further investment in national police aviation and follows the seven new helicopters already approved and currently under construction as part of NPAS’ fleet renewal.

Together, these aircraft will modernise the NPAS fleet, replacing older helicopters and ensuring police forces across England and Wales continue to benefit from reliable, resilient and effective air support, 24 hours a day.

The two newly approved helicopters will be delivered through the existing procurement programme and delivered by Airbus Helicopters. This approach maximises efficiency while maintaining operational continuity.

Operational decisions on the expected base locations for the two additional aircraft are still subject to confirmation. 

Chief Superintendent Fiona Gaffney (above), Chief Operating Officer and Accountable Manager for NPAS, said: “This additional investment is very welcome news and demonstrates continued confidence in NPAS and the value it provides to policing and the public.

"It is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our people and our partners at BlueLight Commercial and Airbus Helicopters, who continue to deliver a complex fleet renewal programme on behalf of UK policing.”

NPAS will continue to work closely with partners to meet project timelines, with the first new aircraft due to be available for operational deployment from mid-2027. 

A disposal programme is running parallel to the fleet replacement project, identifying opportunities to dispose of nine of the older NPAS aircraft.

NPAS provides borderless air support to police forces across England and Wales. Delivered by West Yorkshire Police, NPAS currently operates a fleet of 20 helicopters and four aeroplanes, providing specialist capabilities to help save lives, tackle criminality and keep communities safe.

In 2023, Airbus Helicopters UK was awarded the contract to supply seven new H135 helicopters as part of a national programme to replace the existing NPAS aviation fleet. The programme is governed by the National Strategic Board and delivered in partnership with BlueLight Commercial, the Home Office, the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners.