The Czech Republic’s Ministry of Interior has signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters for the purchase of 11 H145 helicopters to modernise the country’s police aviation capabilities, Airbus said in a press release issued on Wednesday.

The five-bladed, multi-role helicopters will be operated by the Czech Police Aviation Service and are expected to form the backbone of the country’s law enforcement, search-and-rescue and emergency medical operations. The agreement also includes pilot and crew training as well as logistical support aimed at ensuring a smooth transition into service.

Airbus said the acquisition represents a significant step in upgrading the Czech Republic’s public safety infrastructure, replacing the police force’s current fleet of H135 helicopters with the more advanced H145 model.

“We are honoured that the Czech Ministry of Interior has chosen the H145 to support its vital missions,” Thomas Hein, Head of Europe Region at Airbus Helicopters, said in the statement.

“As the Czech police currently operate the H135, transitioning to the H145 is the logical next step in their fleet's evolution, allowing crews and maintenance teams to benefit from a high degree of commonality and ensure seamless operational readiness from day one,” he added.

Hein said the H145’s versatility would enable operators to quickly transition between law enforcement duties and emergency rescue missions, noting that several European police and border agencies — including state police forces in Germany, the French Gendarmerie and Lithuania’s border guards — already operate the aircraft.

The H145 helicopters are expected to offer improved operational range and lifting capacity compared with the H135 fleet currently used by Czech police, while advanced digital maintenance systems are intended to streamline upkeep and operational efficiency.

Airbus and the Czech Republic have maintained industrial ties for approximately 25 years, with the European aerospace manufacturer sourcing more than 200 million euros ($226 million) worth of goods annually from Czech suppliers for its commercial aircraft programmes.

Globally, more than 1,800 helicopters from the H145 family are currently in operation, accumulating over 8.5 million flight hours, according to Airbus. The aircraft is powered by twin Safran Arriel 2E engines and features digital avionics, including a four-axis autopilot designed to improve safety and reduce pilot workload.

The helicopters are also promoted as having lower noise levels and reduced carbon emissions compared with competitors in the same category, reflecting growing emphasis on sustainability in aviation procurement.

While the deal is focused on police and emergency operations rather than commercial aviation, industry analysts say such acquisitions underscore sustained government investment in modern aircraft platforms amid rising demand for rapid emergency response and border security capabilities across Europe.

Airbus did not disclose the financial terms of the contract or the timeline for delivery, though the agreement signals a continued expansion of the H145 platform among European public safety agencies.