The French Gendarmerie is acquiring more EC135s and EC145s as it expands and modernises its fleet. It has placed an order for 12 EC135s with options for a further 25. The EC135s will replace the single engine Ecureuil B, BA and B1 that the gendarmerie has been operating since 1980. First deliveries will be during the last quarter of 2008.

The gendarmerie also confirmed an option for three EC145s boosting that fleet to 15. They will be used mainly for high altitude missions and will replace the gendarmerie's Alouette III fleet.