The National Police Agency of Japan has ordered three additional Airbus H135 helicopters as part of its ongoing fleet modernisation programme, Airbus Helicopters said Thursday.

The aircraft will be deployed to police departments in Hokkaido Prefecture, Shimane Prefecture, and Miyagi Prefecture, where they will support a range of law enforcement missions, including aerial patrol, search and rescue operations, and tactical transport.

Airbus said the latest purchase strengthens its long-standing cooperation with the Japanese police agency and increases the NPA’s Airbus helicopter fleet to a total of 26 aircraft.

“We are honoured by the National Police Agency’s continued trust in the H135,” said Jean‑Luc Alfonsi. He said the helicopter’s reliability and operational performance have made it a widely used platform for law enforcement tasks.

The order follows the delivery of an H135 to the Hiroshima Prefectural Police in late 2025. That aircraft currently operates alongside an Airbus AS365 Dauphin used by the department, Airbus said.

The H135 is equipped with Airbus Helicopters’ Helionix avionics system, which includes a four-axis autopilot and cockpit layout designed to improve pilot situational awareness. The aircraft features large electronic displays, night-vision-goggle compatibility, and flight-management tools aimed at assisting pilots during complex operations.

Airbus said Japanese H135 operators also benefit from training at the company’s full-flight simulator centre in Kobe, which provides pilot instruction and operational support.

According to Airbus, 98 H135 helicopters are currently operating in Japan, including 15 used for law enforcement missions. Globally, the H135 family has more than 1,600 aircraft in service and has logged over eight million flight hours across various mission segments.

The latest order reflects continued demand for versatile light helicopters in public safety operations, as law enforcement agencies expand aerial capabilities for surveillance, emergency response, and search and rescue activities.

Source: Airbus Press Release