The Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) has officially confirmed the acquisition of one Airbus H225 helicopter, marking its entry as a new operator of the European manufacturer’s flagship heavy multi-role rotorcraft. The move represents a significant expansion of the KNPA’s airborne capabilities as South Korea continues to enhance national security readiness amid evolving domestic and regional threats.
According to officials, the newly ordered H225 will serve as a central aviation asset for the KNPA, supporting a broad spectrum of public-service missions across the Korean peninsula. It is expected to deliver a substantial boost to the agency’s operational reach, tactical versatility, and rapid-response capabilities in both routine and crisis scenarios.
The KNPA stated that the helicopter will be deployed primarily for high-risk law-enforcement and counter-terrorism operations. Core mission profiles will include armed tactical insertion, rapid response to critical incidents, and national-level policing operations requiring long-range aerial support.
Police aviation units have increasingly taken on complex, multi-domain tasks in recent years, including surveillance of remote areas, support for special-weapons teams, and coordination during major security incidents. The H225’s heavy-lift capacity, advanced avionics, and extended range make it well-suited for these demanding roles.
In addition to high-risk missions, the helicopter is set to undertake critical public-service roles such as search and rescue (SAR), airborne command-and-control, humanitarian assistance, and disaster-relief operations. South Korea, which frequently faces typhoons, flooding, and industrial accidents, relies heavily on rapid-deployment aviation assets to manage emergencies affecting large civilian populations.
Vincent Dubrule, Head of Asia-Pacific at Airbus Helicopters, welcomed the KNPA into what he termed the “Airbus family,” expressing confidence in the H225’s suitability for the agency’s operational demands.
“We are honoured to welcome the Korean National Police Agency to the Airbus family,” Dubrule said, highlighting the rotorcraft’s robust performance in high-stress, extreme-weather, and complex mission environments. He added that the H225 has built a global reputation as a reliable, highly versatile platform trusted by military, paramilitary, and government operators.
Dubrule emphasised that the H225 will likely become a cornerstone of the KNPA’s aviation capabilities, enabling precise, safe, and sustained execution of intricate missions that require heavy-lift endurance, advanced avionics, and wide-area operational coverage.
The Airbus H225, the latest generation in the long-proven Super Puma family, is widely recognised for its impressive performance envelope and multi-mission flexibility. The platform integrates advanced systems designed to maximise safety, endurance, and reliability across demanding operational scenarios.
A key highlight is its digital four-axis autopilot—one of the most advanced in the world—which significantly reduces pilot workload and enhances flight stability. This capability is especially important for missions conducted in adverse weather, during night operations, or in congested and mountainous airspace.
According to Airbus’ technical documentation, the H225 is powered by two Safran Makila 2A1 turboshaft engines, enabling a maximum cruise speed of 150 knots (278 km/h) and a maximum range of up to 452 nautical miles (837 km) with standard fuel tanks. Its endurance, exceeding 5.5 hours depending on mission profile, allows for long-duration flights such as maritime SAR, wide-area surveillance, and extended counter-terrorism patrols without the need for frequent refuelling.
The helicopter’s physical performance characteristics underscore its role as a heavy multi-role rotorcraft. The H225 features:
Maximum take-off weight: 11,200 kg
External sling load capacity: 4,750 kg
Internal useful load: over 5,000 kg
Seating capacity: up to 19 passengers plus crew (depending on configuration)
These specifications enable the KNPA to carry large tactical teams, deploy specialised equipment, conduct high-volume evacuations, and transport significant payloads during disaster-relief efforts. The aircraft’s composite five-bladed main rotor reduces vibration, improving ride comfort for passengers and enhancing component longevity.
Additional systems include the advanced Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS), dual-channel FADEC for engine management, weather radar, a digital glass cockpit, and optional de-icing systems that support all-weather operations—an essential requirement for South Korea’s diverse climatic conditions.
The H225 and its military variant, the H225M, have earned a strong global track record. More than 360 units are currently in service among military, police, coast guard, and government operators worldwide, collectively accumulating nearly 980,000 flight hours.
Current operators include Brazil, France, Hungary, Indonesia, Iraq, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Thailand. The platform’s adoption by the KNPA further strengthens Airbus’ presence in South Korea’s public-safety and aerospace sectors.
The acquisition also aligns with South Korea’s broader strategy of upgrading aviation assets across government agencies to improve resilience against emerging threats ranging from terrorism to large-scale natural disasters.
