The Czech Ministry of Interior has signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters for 11 five-bladed H145 helicopters, aiming to upgrade the country’s public safety aviation capabilities with new aircraft and comprehensive support services.
The helicopters will be operated by the Czech Police Aviation Service for law enforcement, search and rescue, and emergency medical missions. The agreement covers not only the aircraft but also an extensive training and logistics package.
“We are honoured that the Czech Ministry of Interior has chosen the H145 to support its vital missions. … This agreement highlights the H145’s versatility as a multi-mission aircraft, capable of shifting quickly from demanding police work to life-saving rescue duties,” said Thomas Hein, head of the Europe region at Airbus Helicopters.
The order comes as the Czech Republic pursues broader aviation modernisation. The country extended its lease of Saab Gripen fighters until 2035, with a fleet reduction and upgrade, to bridge the gap until the arrival of 24 Lockheed Martin F-35A fighters. It also signed an agreement with Embraer for two C-390 Millennium transport aircraft, with first delivery expected in 2025.
The Czech police currently operate nine H135 family helicopters, which the H145 will replace. The transition benefits from a high degree of commonality between the two types, easing crew and maintenance integration.
The H145 has more than 1,800 helicopters in the family in service and over 8.5 million flight hours logged. The five-bladed version is powered by Safran Arriel 2E engines with FADEC, features a Helionix digital avionics suite and a high-performance 4-axis autopilot, and boasts the lowest acoustic footprint and CO2 emissions in its class.
The Czech order follows similar European law enforcement procurements, including state police forces in Germany, the French Gendarmerie, and the Lithuanian Border Guards. Germany recently expanded its H145M light attack helicopter fleet with an additional 20 aircraft, raising its total order to 82.
