The Western Australian Police Force (WAPF) has purchased a second H145 helicopter, making the WAPF the only law enforcement jurisdiction in the southern hemisphere to operate two Airbus five-bladed H145 helicopters.

Western Australian Premier and Treasurer Mark McGowan says: “Our police helicopters provide vital support to police operations across the state and the addition of two new H145 helicopters will boost police capability to respond to emergencies and crime challenges.”

The H145 offers a range of capabilities for the WAPF, including single-pilot and instrument flight rules, with night vision goggles capability. This is complemented with Airbus' Helionix avionics suite and four-axis autopilot, reducing crew workload and underpinning flight safety. Both H145 helicopters will be based in Perth, servicing the entire state of Western Australia.

The new H145 will replace an AS365 helicopter. The initial H145 was ordered in July 2020, to replace the WAPF's BK117.

Police Minister Paul Papalia concludes: “On the ground and in the skies, we're ensuring our police have a strong presence to keep our community safe. These new helicopters will be fitted with the latest avionics equipment and be able to deploy more rapidly than our existing aircraft.”