Airbus Helicopters has secured a significant contract with the Kingdom of Bahrain for the purchase of nine H145 helicopters. The agreement was signed by His Excellency Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Minister of Interior, and marks a strategic enhancement of the country’s aerial capabilities in both law enforcement and emergency medical services.
The new fleet will be operated by Bahrain’s Police Aviation Command and is intended to support a range of public safety operations. The H145, Airbus’ best-selling light twin-engine helicopter, is renowned for its multi-role functionality. Airbus Helicopters highlighted that the aircraft’s proven versatility will be a valuable addition to Bahrain’s operational capabilities.
Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President for Global Business at Airbus Helicopters, welcomed Bahrain into the global H145 user community. He noted that more than 60 H145 helicopters are already operating across the Middle East, fulfilling missions in emergency medical response, the energy sector, law enforcement, and utility work. Demand for the model continues to rise, particularly due to its adaptability and performance.
The latest version of the H145 features an innovative five-bladed rotor system, which enhances performance by increasing the helicopter’s useful load by 150kg. The new bearingless main rotor design also simplifies maintenance, improves serviceability and reliability, and contributes to a smoother ride for both crew and passengers.
Globally, over 1,700 H145 family helicopters are in service, with a combined eight million flight hours. Powered by twin Safran Arriel 2E engines and featuring advanced technologies such as full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix avionics suite, the H145 offers a high level of automation and safety. A four-axis autopilot system reduces pilot workload, while the helicopter’s low noise and emissions profile positions it as the most environmentally friendly and quietest in its class.
