The Czech Ministry of Interior has finalized a contract with Airbus Helicopters to acquire 11 five-bladed H145 helicopters, the companies said. The aircraft are destined for use by the Czech Police Aviation Service across law enforcement, search and rescue, and emergency medical missions.
Under the terms of the agreement, Airbus will supply the airframes and provide associated training and logistics support to the Czech Police Aviation Service. The procurement is intended to replace the force's existing H135 family helicopters.
Thomas Hein, Head of Europe Region at Airbus Helicopters, confirmed that the H145 model was selected as the successor to the Czech Police's current H135 fleet. At present, the Czech Police Aviation Service operates nine H135-family helicopters.
Airbus says the H145 will deliver improved tactical range and a higher lifting capacity when compared with the H135 helicopters currently in service. The manufacturer also noted that maintenance procedures can be streamlined through the use of digital systems embedded in the H145 platform.
The H145 family is widely deployed around the world, with more than 1,800 examples in service and a cumulative fleet total exceeding 8.5 million flight hours. The type is powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines and is equipped with a full authority digital engine control as well as the Helionix digital avionics suite. Airbus also states that upwards of 200 H145 helicopters are used globally for public service and law enforcement tasks.
In addition to the helicopter contract, Airbus sources more than $200 million worth of goods from the Czech Republic each year for its commercial aircraft production, reflecting industrial links between the company and Czech suppliers.
The contract covers aircraft delivery plus training and logistics support, but the announcement does not specify a delivery timeline or other schedule details. The statement focuses on capabilities and support elements rather than program timing.
Context and operational focus
The order is framed around three primary mission profiles for the Czech Police Aviation Service: law enforcement operations, search and rescue missions, and emergency medical services. The selection of the H145 emphasizes a combination of increased operational range and lifting capability alongside modern avionics and maintenance aids.