Japan’s National Police Agency (NPA) has ordered three Airbus H135 helicopters to advance its fleet modernization program. The light twin-engine aircraft will deploy to the Hokkaido, Shimane, and Miyagi Prefectural Police departments for patrol, search and rescue, and tactical transport missions.
This acquisition increases the NPA’s Airbus fleet to 26 units, strengthening a partnership sustained over years. It follows the late 2025 delivery of an H135 to the Hiroshima Prefectural Police, which now integrates with the department’s AS365 helicopter.
“We are honored by the National Police Agency’s continued trust in the H135,” stated 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.”
The H135 features Airbus Helicopters’ Helionix avionics suite with a four-axis autopilot and three large electronic displays for enhanced situational awareness. Its cockpit supports night vision goggles and includes a First Limit Indicator to consolidate engine data for pilots.
In Japan, 98 H135s operate nationwide, including 15 for law enforcement. Operators access training at Airbus Helicopters Japan’s full-flight simulator center in Kobe.