The UK's National Police Air Service (NPAS) has placed a firm order for two additional H135 helicopters from Airbus (OTC: EADSY), bringing its total fleet renewal program to nine H135 aircraft.

The order falls under a 2025 Framework Contract signed with the BlueLight Commercial procurement agency, which designates Airbus as the exclusive helicopter supplier for NPAS for up to six years.

The new helicopters are scheduled to arrive at Airbus' Oxford site in 2028 for configuration to NPAS specifications. They will be equipped with Airbus' Helionix avionics system, with NPAS pilots already conducting training and familiarization flights.

Chief Superintendent Fiona Gaffney, NPAS Accountable Manager, said the aircraft "will provide a modern, resilient and effective capability for policing, supporting our crews as they respond to incidents, assist officers on the ground and protect the public."

NPAS currently operates 16 H135 and four H145 helicopters from 14 locations, serving 43 police forces across England and Wales. Airbus Helicopters in the UK also provides maintenance and support for the existing NPAS fleet.

The first two aircraft from the fleet renewal program arrived at Airbus Helicopters in the UK in April for policing customization. More than 1,470 H135s are in service worldwide, accumulating over 8 million flight hours across more than 325 customers.