Bahrain Increases National Security with Advanced Airbus H145 Helicopters
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On December 16, 2024, Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior signed a significant contract with Airbus Helicopters for the acquisition of nine H145 helicopters. The agreement, formalized by His Excellency Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, underscores the country’s commitment to enhancing its capabilities in law enforcement and emergency medical services (EMS). The helicopters will be operated by the Police Aviation Command, enhancing the unit’s ability to meet various operational demands.
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Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior signs contract with Airbus Helicopters for the acquisition of nine H145 helicopters. (Picture source: Airbus)
Discussions between Airbus Helicopters and Bahrain began in 2023, culminating in the agreement in December 2024. While the exact contract value has not been disclosed, the unit cost of an H145 was estimated at approximately $9 million in 2021. This procurement aligns with Bahrain’s modernization program for its helicopter fleet, aimed at strengthening the Police Aviation Command’s law enforcement and EMS capabilities.
Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President for Global Business at Airbus Helicopters, expressed pride in welcoming Bahrain to the global community of H145 users. He emphasized the proven versatility of the aircraft, already in service in several Middle Eastern countries for diverse missions. In Saudi Arabia, 15 H145 helicopters have been used for EMS since 2018, while the UAE integrated a fleet of 10 into its police forces in 2020. Kuwait, meanwhile, operates five H145 helicopters for search and rescue operations. In total, over 60 H145 helicopters are currently in service across the region, performing roles in law enforcement, EMS, and utility operations.
The development of the Airbus H145 traces back to 1999 with the introduction of the EC145, an evolution of the BK117 helicopter. In 2014, Airbus Helicopters unveiled the H145, featuring major upgrades such as Safran Arriel 2E engines and advanced Helionix avionics. A five-bladed version, introduced in 2020, further enhanced the aircraft with a 150 kg increase in payload and simplified maintenance. Thanks to its reliability and adaptability, the H145 quickly became a preferred choice for medical, law enforcement, and military missions in over 150 countries worldwide.
Globally recognized as a leader in the light twin-engine helicopter category, the H145 has over 1,700 units in service, accumulating more than eight million flight hours. Since its launch in 2014, the versatile aircraft has been adopted by numerous countries for a range of missions. In 2015, Germany began using the H145 for its armed forces and police services. In 2017, the United Kingdom expanded its EMS fleet with several H145 helicopters, while Japan introduced them for mountain rescue missions. In 2019, Brazil deployed the H145 for public security operations. More recently, in 2023, Romania signed a contract for 10 units to modernize its air rescue services, and Switzerland acquired the model for medical transport missions.
The H145 is a lightweight, twin-engine helicopter celebrated for its exceptional performance and versatility. Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines with full authority digital engine control (FADEC), it offers optimal power and high reliability. Its advanced Helionix avionics system, including a four-axis autopilot, enhances safety while reducing pilot workload. The latest version features an innovative five-blade rotor, increasing the payload capacity to 3,800 kg, simplifying maintenance, and providing a smoother flight experience. With a cruising speed of 246 km/h and a range of 650 km, the H145 also stands out for its low noise levels (79 dB) and reduced CO2 emissions, making it an eco-friendly and efficient choice for EMS, law enforcement, and utility operations.
Bahrain’s Royal Air Force operates a diverse helicopter fleet to meet its operational needs. Since the 1980s, it has relied on Bell AH-1 Cobras for attack missions, with an initial delivery of 14 units following the Gulf War in 1991. In 2018, Bahrain ordered 12 AH-1Z Vipers, a modernized version of the Cobra, with deliveries completed between 2022 and 2023. For utility transport and support missions, the fleet includes Agusta-Bell AB212s and Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawks, which have been in service since the 1990s and 2000s, respectively.
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On December 16, 2024, Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior signed a significant contract with Airbus Helicopters for the acquisition of nine H145 helicopters. The agreement, formalized by His Excellency Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, underscores the country’s commitment to enhancing its capabilities in law enforcement and emergency medical services (EMS). The helicopters will be operated by the Police Aviation Command, enhancing the unit’s ability to meet various operational demands.
Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior signs contract with Airbus Helicopters for the acquisition of nine H145 helicopters. (Picture source: Airbus)
Discussions between Airbus Helicopters and Bahrain began in 2023, culminating in the agreement in December 2024. While the exact contract value has not been disclosed, the unit cost of an H145 was estimated at approximately $9 million in 2021. This procurement aligns with Bahrain’s modernization program for its helicopter fleet, aimed at strengthening the Police Aviation Command’s law enforcement and EMS capabilities.
Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President for Global Business at Airbus Helicopters, expressed pride in welcoming Bahrain to the global community of H145 users. He emphasized the proven versatility of the aircraft, already in service in several Middle Eastern countries for diverse missions. In Saudi Arabia, 15 H145 helicopters have been used for EMS since 2018, while the UAE integrated a fleet of 10 into its police forces in 2020. Kuwait, meanwhile, operates five H145 helicopters for search and rescue operations. In total, over 60 H145 helicopters are currently in service across the region, performing roles in law enforcement, EMS, and utility operations.
The development of the Airbus H145 traces back to 1999 with the introduction of the EC145, an evolution of the BK117 helicopter. In 2014, Airbus Helicopters unveiled the H145, featuring major upgrades such as Safran Arriel 2E engines and advanced Helionix avionics. A five-bladed version, introduced in 2020, further enhanced the aircraft with a 150 kg increase in payload and simplified maintenance. Thanks to its reliability and adaptability, the H145 quickly became a preferred choice for medical, law enforcement, and military missions in over 150 countries worldwide.
Globally recognized as a leader in the light twin-engine helicopter category, the H145 has over 1,700 units in service, accumulating more than eight million flight hours. Since its launch in 2014, the versatile aircraft has been adopted by numerous countries for a range of missions. In 2015, Germany began using the H145 for its armed forces and police services. In 2017, the United Kingdom expanded its EMS fleet with several H145 helicopters, while Japan introduced them for mountain rescue missions. In 2019, Brazil deployed the H145 for public security operations. More recently, in 2023, Romania signed a contract for 10 units to modernize its air rescue services, and Switzerland acquired the model for medical transport missions.
The H145 is a lightweight, twin-engine helicopter celebrated for its exceptional performance and versatility. Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines with full authority digital engine control (FADEC), it offers optimal power and high reliability. Its advanced Helionix avionics system, including a four-axis autopilot, enhances safety while reducing pilot workload. The latest version features an innovative five-blade rotor, increasing the payload capacity to 3,800 kg, simplifying maintenance, and providing a smoother flight experience. With a cruising speed of 246 km/h and a range of 650 km, the H145 also stands out for its low noise levels (79 dB) and reduced CO2 emissions, making it an eco-friendly and efficient choice for EMS, law enforcement, and utility operations.
Bahrain’s Royal Air Force operates a diverse helicopter fleet to meet its operational needs. Since the 1980s, it has relied on Bell AH-1 Cobras for attack missions, with an initial delivery of 14 units following the Gulf War in 1991. In 2018, Bahrain ordered 12 AH-1Z Vipers, a modernized version of the Cobra, with deliveries completed between 2022 and 2023. For utility transport and support missions, the fleet includes Agusta-Bell AB212s and Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawks, which have been in service since the 1990s and 2000s, respectively.
