The National Police Agency of Japan (NPA) has taken delivery of two Airbus H160 helicopters, making it the first parapublic operator of the type in Japan. The first H160 was delivered at the end of last year, and the second is due imminently.

“We are very proud of the delivery of the first public service version of the H160 to our long-standing customer in Japan. This is the culmination of two years of outstanding work and dedication of the teams in France and Japan,” says Jean-Luc Alfonsi, managing director of Airbus Helicopters in Japan. “The unique capabilities of these brand-new aircraft will contribute to expanding the envelope of the NPA's wide-ranging law enforcement missions.”

The H160 is capable of performing wide-ranging missions including law enforcement, offshore transportation, search and rescue, private and business aviation, and emergency medical services, the H160 has entered into service in Brazil, Canada, France, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, UK, US and many other European countries.