Stretching across 2.5 million square kilometers, Western Australia is a land where vast distances and rugged terrain challenge law enforcement in ways few other regions can understand. Overcoming those challenges requires more than just a strong presence on the ground—it demands a fleet of highly capable aircraft and a dedicated team that can think quickly and act decisively. For decades, the Western Australia Police Force (WAPOL) Air Wing has done just that, providing critical aerial support to law enforcement, search-and-rescue, and tactical operations across the state.

But even the best fleets age, and by the mid-2010s, WAPOL found itself facing a hard truth: their helicopters, once the pride of their operation, were no longer cutting edge. In fact, they were struggling to keep up with the demands placed on them. The unit needed a serious upgrade, and it wasn’t just about keeping up with the times, it was about ensuring they could continue to operate effectively across such a vast, diverse landscape. Enter the Airbus H145 D3, two of the state-of-the-art helicopters aimed to carry WAPOL’s Air Wing into the future.

HeliOps visited the Air Wing in Jandakot to get the story on WAPOL’s new fleet and learn how these aircraft represent more than just the latest in new technology. They embody the start of a new chapter in WAPOL’s long history of adapting to meet the evolving needs of law enforcement in Western Australia by providing superior capabilities, enhanced safety, and complementing an expanding vision that even includes drone technology.

A Legacy in the Making

WAPOL’s history in aviation stretches back over four decades, starting with a modest mission to give police a critical edge in their day-to-day operations. The introduction of the BK117 in the late 1980s was a game-changer for WAPOL, providing the range, capability, and reliability needed to cover larger areas of the state. Over the years, the fleet expanded with the addition of the AS365 Dauphine, a powerful and versatile helicopter that served alongside the BK117 for over a decade.

These aircraft became the backbone of WAPOL’s air support, allowing them to respond quickly to incidents in both urban and remote settings. The BK117, in particular, earned its reputation as a reliable workhorse. “It did everything we needed,” says Chief Pilot, Nick Brown, “but even the best aircraft have a shelf life.” Over the years, maintenance became a growing challenge. The Dauphin, while a more advanced helicopter, presented its own issues, especially with parts availability. Every major repair meant a global search for parts, often reaching out to other operators and overseas suppliers.

“Every time we needed a part, it felt like we were scouring the globe,” recalls Brown. “Whether we were reaching out to other operators or trying to source from overseas, it was becoming clear that keeping both the Dauphin and BK117 in the air was no longer sustainable.”

Brown reflected on those days. “The BK117 was a great servant as well. But keeping two different aircraft airborne presented challenges. Different maintenance requirements and reliability issues meant we couldn’t operate at full capacity.” The dual-aircraft setup had its advantages, but it became increasingly unsustainable as the years passed. The contrasting maintenance needs, and the availability of parts posed growing concerns, especially as newer aircraft were coming to market with increased capabilities and offering more integrated solutions.

WAPOL’s air operations are critical to Western Australia, a state that faces unique geographical and logistical challenges. With a small team of pilots, engineers, and tactical flight officers (TFOs), the Air Wing has been punching far above its weight class for years, covering vast distances and supporting ground units in the toughest conditions. The Air Wing leadership recognized the need for change, and the vision became clear: upgrade the aging fleet with more capable aircraft, embrace uniformity, and ensure the unit is prepared for the future.

Why the Airbus H145 D3?

After years of strategic planning, evaluating options, and carefully weighing costs and benefits, the Air Wing chose the Airbus H145 D3 as its new workhorse. The goal wasn’t just to replace old airframes; it was to build a cohesive, versatile fleet with better range and performance, and the flexibility to handle the wide range of tasks required in modern law enforcement.

Brown highlighted the team’s decision, “The H145 D3’s enhanced ‘Helionix’ avionics suite, vastly upgraded safety features, and powerful performance met our requirements perfectly. It was an opportunity for us to leap into state-of-the-art technology.”

Yet, being the first law enforcement operator worldwide to adopt the H145 D3 was not without risks. Brown acknowledged the challenges, saying, “There’s always an element of risk being the first. You’re at the forefront of introducing something new, and while that’s exciting, it means you’re also the first to find out what doesn’t work.” Despite this, the opportunity to set a new standard in law enforcement aviation and adopt the advanced technology now available made it a risk worth taking.

The two new helicopters bring a host of benefits, from advanced mission equipment to significantly improved handling. The H145 D3, with its five-blade design, is lighter and more agile—traits that make it especially suitable for tactical response and search-and-rescue operations. In addition, its compact FLIR system and high-definition sensors provide clear visuals even in the dead of night, a vital advantage in surveillance, tactical, and rescue missions.

A Different Approach: The Civilian Pilot Advantage

WAPOL’s Air Wing stands apart from many other police aviation units in a fundamental way: it employs experienced civilian pilots rather than training sworn officers to become aviators. This decision stems from the complexity of their missions and the skills needed to navigate challenging scenarios.

Pilot Rob Jones, explained why the Air Wing prioritizes hiring experienced civilian pilots. “The organization doesn’t have the resources to grow this level of pilots in-house,” he said. “What they ask of helicopter pilots, especially flying in confined areas at night with night vision goggles, demands a level of expertise that takes years to build. We get that experience from military backgrounds, EMS, or offshore operations.”

WAPOL’s five pilots bring a mix of military and civilian aviation expertise, with most of them hailing from backgrounds in the Navy, Army, or offshore sectors. Brown, who previously served in the Navy and flew Seahawk helicopters during deployments in the Middle East and Africa, said, “This is about as close to military-style flying as you can get without actually being in the military. We’re involved in high-stakes missions, from tactical response to search and rescue, and the experience we bring to the table makes a huge difference in how effectively we can perform those tasks.”

The decision to hire pilots with such extensive experience also reduces the training burden on WAPOL. Brown elaborated, “We hire people who’ve already had the experience and training. The only thing we need to add is the tactical side—sniping, fast-roping, and law enforcement-specific operations. That saves us time and money.”

Agility and Mission Specialty, the Vital Role of TFOs

While the pilots play a crucial role, the success of the Air Wing’s missions heavily depends on its roughly 20 Tactical Flight Officers (TFOs). These experienced ground officers are selected and trained into the Air Wing to become responsible for operating mission-critical equipment, including the FLIR system, mapping consoles, and communication devices that allow the helicopters to perform a wide range of law enforcement and rescue tasks. They’re essentially mission commanders, coordinating with ground units, making tactical decisions, and managing the flow of information throughout operations.

“The TFOs are our eyes and ears,” Brown explained. “They control the FLIR, handle communications with ground units, and essentially run the mission from the back of the helicopter.”

The Air Wing operates with two TFOs each mission to ensure that all aspects of an operation—surveillance, tactical support, and communication—are well-covered. The H145 D3’s layout allows for efficient coordination between pilots and TFOs, with the front-left seat designated as the FLIR operator’s station and the rear TFO operating the Mission Computer (MC) handling mapping and communications with ground units.

When necessary, the rear TFO can also switch roles to become the Rescue Technician or Rescue Swimmer and is highly trained in deploying out of the aircraft to rescue individuals. Key to the facilitation of these types of missions is the moveable front left seat in the new D3s.


This new design feature incorporates a sliding track for the front-left TFO seat, enabling a smooth transition from monitoring the FLIR systems at the left side of the cockpit, to sliding back and engaging the rear crew area, participating in rescue operations when needed, whether acting as the hoist operator or additional rear crew member.

On any given day, the Air Wing’s mission flow can evolve from a routine patrol or surveillance flight, into offering air support during a high-speed chase, later rescuing lost hikers or assisting in disaster aid, even providing tactical air support by inserting specialized officers into a dangerous situation or acting as an aerial platform for snipers. The multirole agility of aircraft and crew is on full display daily and is critical in high-pressure situations, where flexibility and fast decision-making can mean the difference between success and failure.

Mechanics: Backbone of the Air Wing

Keeping the fleet in peak condition requires a dedicated team of mechanics, and in the Air Wing, these technicians are the unsung heroes. Keeping both aircraft in the air for as many as 1600 hours per year each, their work is essential to the unit’s round-the-clock operational readiness. Jones emphasized their role, stating, “We rely on them to keep us flying. If the helicopters aren’t in top shape, we can’t do our jobs. It’s as simple as that.”

Being brand new aircraft, the transition to the new H145 D3s has helped streamline much of the maintenance efforts. Further, by standardizing the fleet, the team has significantly reduced the logistical burden of managing different systems and parts. However, the advanced technology of the H145 D3 still demands a high level of expertise from the mechanics, who need to stay current on the latest avionics and systems. “Previously we needed airframers because that’s where all the work was.” Brown recounts, “These new aircraft are so avionics heavy that we’ve needed to add an additional avionics technician.”

Support from Above: WAPOL’s Government Backing and Strategic Vision

Securing the new fleet wasn’t just about technical decisions or buying the latest helicopters available—it required careful planning and strong government support. Superintendent Paul Daly played a key role in obtaining the funding to make this ambitious upgrade a reality. Daly detailed the process, saying, “We put together a business case to replace our aging fleet. Originally, the plan was for one helicopter, but the Commissioner asked the right questions at the right time, and we were able to double that to two.”

The funding—a $56 million commitment over ten years—came from a combination of government sources, including the Road Safety Council and Road Trauma Trust Account. Daly emphasized the importance of ensuring that all citizens of Western Australia receive consistent services, regardless of their location. “The Commissioner has a view that the people of Western Australia, no matter where they are, should receive consistent service,” he said. “We’re able to keep our end of the bargain by expanding our reach with these new aircraft.”

Lessons of the Past: A Smarter Approach

WAPOL’s transition to the H145 D3 was further shaped by lessons learned from previous fleet projects, particularly the challenges faced with fielding the Dauphin helicopter. The Air Wing’s experience with the Dauphin highlighted the risks of fitting out aircraft locally rather than working directly with manufacturers.

“For the Dauphin, we bought a shell and did the fit-out ourselves with local vendors,” Brown shared. “Ultimately, it was time-consuming and rather costly. This time, we gave Airbus our specs, and they delivered a complete solution to us.”

By relying on Airbus to handle the fit-out and integration of mission-critical equipment, the Air Wing reduced risks and streamlined the entire process. This approach ensured that all modifications were completed seamlessly, with the added benefit of being able to go directly to Airbus for support if issues arise. “We’re coming into a purple patch without a doubt.” Pilot Damon Craven added, “Despite a few teething issues integrating the mission role equipment, which was to be expected, the aircraft are performing very well for us.”

Innovation and the Future: Drones on the Horizon

While the addition of the H145 D3s marks a significant leap forward, the Air Wing isn’t stopping there. In addition to its fleet of two helicopters and two fixed-wing aircraft, the unit is actively embracing drone technology to further enhance its air support capabilities across the expanse of Western Australia. Daly outlined the growth of the drone program, which now includes nearly 100 trained operators and a diverse fleet of drones. One standout type is a heavy-lift drone manufactured by DJI, which can transport up to 40 kilograms of supplies—a game-changer for search-and-rescue operations.

“We’re using drones for more than just surveillance,” Daly explained. “This heavy-lift drone can transport essential rescue supplies quickly and efficiently, reducing the burden on ground crews.” This capability is particularly valuable in Western Australia’s rugged terrain, allowing ground rescuers to head into the Bush with only water and radios. Giving them unencumbered movement by providing rapid drone delivery of equipment directly to the rescue location. Such speed and aerial resupply capabilities can make all the difference in emergency situations in a challenging environment.

The Air Wing is also exploring a “drone-in-a-box” concept, which will allow for remotely controlled drone operations in regional areas around the state. Daly described the technology enthusiastically, saying, “Imagine having a drone ready to launch at a moment’s notice at a local station, that is controlled remotely 24hrs a day, from our operations center in Perth. It’s a real game-changer for our response capabilities.” For example, a call comes in the middle of the night reporting a reckless driver tearing up the streets. The drone may be launched to survey the situation and allow the operations center to evaluate if the call warrants an immediate police response, or if video evidence may be collected and the matter can be handled later in a non-emergent fashion. Employing drones in this manner allows for better safety and coverage as well as more efficient resource management.

Charting a New Course for WAPOL Air Wing

With the addition of the H145 D3 helicopters and expanding drone capabilities, the WAPOL Air Wing is positioning itself for the future. The team recognizes that this is only the beginning of a long journey toward integrating advanced technology into their daily operations. From leveraging drones for surveillance and logistics to incorporating new training programs, the Air Wing is laying the groundwork for a future where efficiency and innovation go hand-in-hand.

However, Daly is realistic about the evolving nature of policing in the sky. “We’re always going to need helicopters. You can’t jump out of a drone or winch people in and out yet. But, that doesn’t mean we can’t continue to innovate and push boundaries,” he said.

Becoming the first law enforcement operator of the H145 D3 has come from a journey of strategic planning, strong leadership, and an unwavering commitment to its public safety missions while also embracing change and fostering innovation. With backing from the state government and a clear vision for the future, WAPOL’s Air Wing is set to continue its vital work for many years to come. As Daly aptly put it, “We’re here to serve, no matter where you are in Western Australia. And now, we have the right tools to do just that.”