The National Police Air Service (NPAS) has reached a major milestone in its National Fleet Replacement Programme (FRP) with the arrival of the first two H135 T3H aircraft at Airbus Helicopters UK in Oxford.

The aircraft, G‑NPAA and G‑NPAS, mark the start of the programme’s familiarisation and development phase, supporting preparations for the introduction of seven new helicopters that will replace ageing aircraft across the NPAS fleet.

G‑NPAS will support essential programme activity, including training for NPAS Training Captains, preparing the addition of the H135 T3H to the Approved Training Organisation (ATO), and supporting work to bring the new fleet onto the Police Air Operator Certificate (PAOC). It will then enter the modification programme in early 2027.

G‑NPAA will proceed directly into modification, where Airbus will fit the specialist mission equipment required to convert the baseline aircraft into an operational police helicopter ready for service in mid‑2027.

Preparing crews for the future fleet

NPAS staff completed a structured H135 familiarisation programme in early 2026, including Training Captain flying. This phase has introduced staff from safety, compliance and technical services to the H135 T3H ahead of the new aircraft entering service.  

G-NPAS will support the development of bespoke NPAS training packages, while G-NPAA remains with Airbus for installation of the mission equipment.

Delivering the next generation of air support capability

Although the current fleet has been in service for many years, it has remained safe and reliable thanks to the exceptionally high standards of maintenance, engineering and airworthiness applied throughout its life. The new H135 T3H helicopters will build on this strong foundation with modern technology, enhanced capability and improved resilience for years to come.

Advanced technology and mission system enhancements

The seven new H135 T3H helicopters entering service from 2027 will feature full Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) capability and a range of advanced technologies to enhance operational effectiveness. These include upgraded daylight, low‑light and infrared imaging systems offering improved detection, tracking and evidential recording.

Crews will also benefit from three-dimensional (3D) spatial audio to improve situational awareness and reduce cognitive load, as well as enhanced video architecture enabling the integration of more sophisticated sensors. Fourth and fifth generation (4G/5G) connectivity will provide faster, more reliable data sharing between aircraft and ground units.

The aircraft’s open architecture design will allow future integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI)assisted detection. Additional enhancements include weather radar, collision avoidance systems, High Definition (HD) air-to-ground and air-to-air data links, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) capability and ergonomic workstation layouts to support crew performance during extended missions.

Ch Supt Fiona Gaffney, NPAS Accountable Manager, said: “The arrival of these first aircraft marks a significant moment in our Fleet Replacement Programme and represents the beginning of the transition to a modern, more capable aviation service. The existing fleet is approximately 20 years old and therefore this investment will see a dramatic increase in aircraft availability along with major advancements in technology, enabling NPAS to continue to work alongside other aviation assets.

“Preparing our crews through early familiarisation and training is essential as we move towards introducing the new H135 T3H fleet. This programme of investment ensures we can continue to deliver a safe, resilient, and effective air support service for policing across England and Wales.”

Richard Atack, Managing Director, Airbus Helicopters UK, said: “Equipped with an advanced sensor suite and cutting-edge avionics, delivery of this extremely complex aircraft demonstrates Airbus Helicopters' engineering and integration excellence, a critical factor in helping NPAS meet today and tomorrow's policing air support needs.  Airbus Helicopters has been at the heart of UK police helicopter operations for nearly half a century and today supports a mixed fleet of 20 NPAS H135 and H145 aircraft.”

Lianne Deeming, Chief Executive Officer of BlueLight Commercial, said: “It is fantastic to see the arrival of the first aircraft following the meticulous three-year collaborative procurement process, involving detailed technical and financial evaluations. The investment in advanced technology and innovation, whilst also delivering value for money for the taxpayer, will have a significant impact on operational capability over the coming years.”