New York State Police orders three H145s and one H160 Airbus helicopters, marking the first time the agency will operate European-made aircraft in its vast territory.
Highlights
- NYSP ordered four European helicopters (three H145s, one H160) to replace American-made Bell UH-1H Iroquois and Sikorsky S-76 Eagle.
- Previously ordered two H145s await delivery, with full fleet retirement of Hueys planned by 2027.
- NYSP will become the first U.S. law enforcement agency to operate the H160.
Less renowned than the New York Police Department but patrolling a vastly larger territory, the New York State Police currently operates exclusively with helicopters designed and manufactured in the United States. Last week at the Verticon 2025 trade show, this changed with a new order for three H145s and one H160. These aircraft will replace the iconic Bell UH-1H Iroquois helicopters and the fleet’s sole Sikorsky S-76 Eagle. The New York State Police will become the first law enforcement agency in the United States to deploy the efficient and strikingly elegant H160.
New York presents an interesting geographic anomaly as both a city and a state, similar to Washington. However, while Washington DC sits roughly 3,700 miles from Washington state, New York City is fully integrated within New York State. Adding to the complexity, New York State’s capital isn’t the metropolis of 8.8 million residents, but rather Albany with its modest population of 100,000. Why keep things simple? It was this State of New York that decided last week to purchase four new European helicopters for its State Police.
But why “new” if the New York State Police flies only American helicopters? Because last year, the NYSP already ordered two H145s. These aircraft haven’t been delivered yet – the first arrives in the second half of this year, with the second following in the first quarter of 2026. So technically, the NYSP still operates exclusively with helicopters designed and manufactured in the United States.
Eventually, five Airbus Helicopters H145s and one H160 will fly in NYSP colors. The H145s will primarily replace the four Bell UH-1H Iroquois helicopters. Three are upgraded to the Huey II standard, while the fourth is a former US Army Iroquois. This last one will be the first replaced by an H145. The New York State Police plans to retire all Huey models by late 2027. By then, the unique Sikorsky S-76 Eagle will be just a memory. Next year, this helicopter β typically configured for special operations support and VIP transport β will give way to the first Airbus Helicopters H160 sold to a U.S. police force. In terms of aesthetics, NYSP crews won’t be disappointed with the change. While the S-76 Eagle was among the most visually appealing helicopters of the 1980s, the H160 is arguably the most refined and stylish aircraft currently manufactured anywhere in the world. And I say this without a hint of bias.
Beyond these aircraft, the NYSP also operates six Bell 430s and three Bell 407s. Their fleet includes three light single-engine Cessna 172 and Cessna 206 aircraft, plus an Italian-built Partenavia P.68 Victor twin-engine observation plane. Unlike the New York Police Department’s aircraft, which “only” patrol the 473 square miles of their city, the New York State Police aircraft must cover 54,556 square miles. For perspective, New Aquitaine, mainland France’s largest region, spans 32,448 square miles. So yes, New York State is vast, helping explain why its police force needs so many helicopters and planes. Factor in its 445-mile border with Canada, and the importance of aerial policing becomes even clearer.
