Ertzaintza upgrades fleet with new Airbus H135 helicopters
The two new aircraft will strengthen search and rescue and security operations across the Basque Country
The Ertzaintza, the police force of the Basque Country in northern Spain, has received two new Airbus H135 helicopters equipped with the advanced Helionix avionics suite, marking a major milestone in the modernization of its aerial fleet.
The second H135, now delivered, completes the renewal effort. These state-of-the-art aircraft will support a wide range of critical public service missions, including search and rescue (SAR), surveillance, and security operations throughout the region.
The Ertzaintza has a long-standing legacy with the H135 family, it became the world’s first police force to operate the EC135 variant back in 1997. The latest Helionix-equipped H135 models represent a significant technological advancement, enhancing mission efficiency, situational awareness, and crew safety.
“The incorporation of these new H135s marks a qualitative leap in our operational capabilities,” a spokesperson for the Ertzaintza noted. “They ensure greater reliability and safety for both our personnel and the citizens we serve.”
The UK’s National Police Air Service (NPAS) recently placed an order for seven H135 helicopters with manufacturer Airbus.
Chloe Fox
Chloe Fox is an Senior Editorial Assistant for Voyageur Group, joining in 2024. She writes for AirMed&Rescue and ITIJ, covering a range of topics including international travel and health insurance, medical assistance provision, and air medical transportation. Chloe holds a BA (Hons) in English and an MA in English Literature from the University of Bristol.