The National Police Air Service has taken delivery of its first two H135 T3H helicopters at Airbus Helicopters UK in Oxford, initiating the operational transition underpinning its fleet replacement programme.

Aircraft G-NPAA and G-NPAS have entered the familiarisation and development phase, supporting the introduction of seven helicopters that will replace long-serving assets across the NPAS fleet.

G-NPAS is being used to advance training and certification activity, including preparation for integration into the organisation’s Approved Training Organisation and alignment with the Police Air Operator Certificate. The aircraft will later move into modification in early 2027.

G-NPAA has moved directly into modification, where Airbus is installing mission equipment to prepare the aircraft for operational deployment in mid-2027.

Early familiarisation activity completed in 2026 has brought flight crews, safety teams and technical personnel onto the platform ahead of entry into service, supporting the development of tailored training packages.

The incoming fleet introduces a step change in operational capability, with Night Vision Imaging System compatibility, upgraded imaging across daylight, low light and infrared conditions, and improved evidential capture.

Further enhancements include 3D spatial audio to support crew awareness, expanded video architecture for sensor integration and 4G and 5G connectivity enabling faster data exchange between aircraft and ground units.

An open systems architecture allows future integration of emerging technologies such as AI-assisted detection, alongside systems including weather radar, collision avoidance, HD data links and Automatic Number Plate Recognition capability.

“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,” says Chief Superintendent Fiona Gaffney, NPAS accountable manager.

“Equipped with an advanced sensor suite and cutting-edge avionics, delivery of this extremely complex aircraft demonstrates Airbus Helicopters' engineering and integration excellence,” adds Richard Atack, managing director, Airbus Helicopters UK.