Japan’s National Police Agency bolsters law enforcement fleet with order for three Airbus H135 helicopters

Tokyo, Japan, 12 March 2026 – Japan’s National Police Agency (NPA) has placed a follow-on order for three H135 helicopters as part of its ongoing fleet modernisation programme. These versatile aircraft will be deployed to the Hokkaido, Shimane, and Miyagi Prefectural Police departments, enhancing their capacity for multi-role law enforcement missions, covering patrol, search and rescue, and tactical transport. 

This latest acquisition reinforces the long-standing partnership between Airbus and the NPA, bringing the agency’s total Airbus fleet to 26 units.

“We are honoured by the National Police Agency’s continued trust in the H135,” said Jean-Luc Alfonsi, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Japan. “The H135’s proven reliability and high performance make it the definitive platform for law enforcement. We remain dedicated to providing comprehensive support necessary to ensure the NPA meets its critical mission requirements across Japan.”

This order follows the successful delivery of an H135 to the Hiroshima Prefectural Police  in late 2025. The aircraft now operates in tandem with the department’s AS365, demonstrating the seamless integration of Airbus assets into complex operations.

Airbus’ light, twin-engine H135 incorporates the most advanced technologies available, including Airbus Helicopters' Helionix avionics suite, which, in addition to the 4-axis autopilot, offers an innovative cockpit layout to enhance situational awareness. Designed with three large electronic displays, the H135’s cockpit is night vision goggle compatible and includes a First Limit Indicator, which highlights the appropriate engine instrument data for the pilot in one indicator.

In Japan, H135 operators benefit from world-class in-country training at Airbus Helicopters Japan’s H135 full flight simulator centre in Kobe. 

Currently, 98 H135s are in operation across Japan, with 15 units dedicated to law enforcement. Globally, the H135 family remains a market leader with over 1,600 helicopters in service worldwide, and 8 million flight hours recorded across all mission segments.

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