Eurocopter to deliver four helicopters for Japan NPA

Japan National Police Agency (NPA) has awarded a contract to Eurocopter to develop and deliver a total of four helicopters.

Under the contract, Eucopter will supply two medium-class and two twin-engine light helicopters to be deployed to various prefectures of JNPA while replacing their respective ageing aircraft fleets.

The helicopters will be used by the Hyogo Prefectural Police (EC155 B1), Hiroshima Prefectural Police (AS365 N3+), Osaka Prefectural Police (EC135 P2e) and Fukuoka Prefectural Police (EC135 P2e).

Hyogo Prefectural Police and Hiroshima Prefectural Police are expected to receive their respective aircraft by 2015 while the Osaka and Fukuoka will take the delivery of EC135 P2e in 2014.

Eurocopter Japan president and CEO Stephane Ginoux said, "We can never emphasize enough on our will to offer the best and most comprehensive support and services for our customers not only in the area of maintenance, but also training, which is a crucial element in ensuring flight safety."

The EC155 B1 and AS365 N3+ are part of Eurocopter’s Dauphin family and are used to support police, fire-fighting, disaster management and news gathering missions while the EC135 twin-engine helicopters are used widely for law enforcement and emergency medical services.

Currently, about 29 Eurocopter light-twin and medium-class helicopters are being used by the NPA for police operations such as crime-prevention, investigative search and security patrols, as well as other public service missions including life-saving operations and transportation.