The UK National Police Air Service was launched on 1 Oct 2012. It covers all Police Forces in England and Wales (but not Scotland or Northern Ireland) through a collaboration agreement. Its objective is to deliver overall savings in the air support service whilst moving to an operational model which consolidates bases and assets, through allocation of the nearest airframe(s) to a declared task and maintaining a strategic aircraft reserve. Operationally, West Yorkshire Police is the lead force. 
As of 2025, NPAS operates 16 H135 and 4 H145 helicopters from 14 locations on behalf of the 43 police forces in England and Wales. Airbus Helicopters UK provides maintenance and support for the NPAS fleet.
News about NPAS |
UK National Police Air Service Orders Seven H135 Helicopters
12-Mar-25 - As the initial phase of its 16-strong fleet renewal program, the National Police Air Service (NPAS) will receive seven new H135 helicopters from Airbus UK #NPAS
NPAS Fire and First Aid Training
11-Nov-19 - UK National Police Air Service (NPAS) conducted fire and first aid training at Birmingham BHX Airport #firefighting
Airbus to Support National Police Air Service Fleet
05-Mar-19 - UK’ National Police Air Service (NPAS) signed contract with Airbus to provide support and maintenance for its fleet of 15 EC135 and 4 EC145 helicopters #NPAS
UK’ NPAS New Base at Essex
23-Jan-19 - UK National Police Air Service (NPAS) building new airbase at North Weald Airfield in Essex to primarily serve London and the South East. The £4 million facility, being built by Kier Group, is scheduled to be ready before end 2019
Last MD902 Explorer Retired from UK Police
25-Jan-17 - UK National Police Air Service (NPAS) retiring last MD902 Explorer. Six helicopters were received from the local police forces when NPAS formed back in 2013 and now replaced with EC135/145
UK Police NPAS Received First of Seven EC135T2+
07-Oct-15 - Bond Air Services formally handed over the first of seven redesigned and upgraded EC135 T2+ helicopters to the National Police Air Service (NPAS) at Helitech 2015| 20-Feb-15 | UK NPAS Will Close 10 Bases in 2015-2017 |
| 02-Feb-15 | Gwent and South Wales Police joined the NPAS |
| 03-Jun-14 | New Investment in NPAS Fleet |
| 03-Jun-14 | Bond Helicopters to equip UK Police EC135 T2s |
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Models