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.
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.