The Czech Ministry of Interior has signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters for the acquisition of 11 five-bladed H145 helicopters, strengthening the country’s public safety and emergency response capabilities.
The new multi-role helicopters will be operated by the Czech Police Aviation Service and will support a wide range of missions, including law enforcement, search and rescue operations, and emergency medical services. The agreement also includes a comprehensive package covering pilot and crew training, logistics support, and maintenance services to ensure smooth operational deployment.
Thomas Hein, Head of Europe Region at Airbus Helicopters, said the selection of the H145 represents a natural progression for the Czech police fleet, which currently operates Airbus H135 helicopters.
“We are honoured that the Czech Ministry of Interior has chosen the H145 to support its vital missions. 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,” Hein said.
He added that the agreement underlines the H145’s flexibility as a multi-mission platform capable of rapidly transitioning between police, rescue, and medical operations. Hein also noted that the H145 is already widely used by law enforcement agencies across Europe, including German state police forces, the French Gendarmerie, and the Lithuanian Border Guards.
Airbus and the Czech Republic have maintained a partnership spanning more than 25 years, with Airbus sourcing over €200 million worth of goods annually from Czech suppliers for its commercial aircraft programmes.
The Czech Police Aviation Service currently operates nine helicopters from the H135 family. The introduction of the five-bladed H145 is expected to significantly improve operational range, payload capability, and overall efficiency, while simplifying maintenance through advanced digital systems.
Globally, more than 1,800 helicopters from the H145 family are currently in service, collectively accumulating over 8.5 million flight hours. Powered by twin Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145 features full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite with a four-axis autopilot system designed to enhance safety and reduce pilot workload.
The aircraft is also recognised for its low acoustic footprint and reduced CO2 emissions, making it one of the quietest and most environmentally efficient helicopters in its class. More than 200 H145 helicopters are currently deployed worldwide in public service and law enforcement operations.
