The South African Police Service (SAPS) Air Wing has expanded its operational capabilities with the addition of two new Airbus H125 helicopters, formally handed over during a ceremony at the SAPS Training College in Pretoria. The event was attended by senior police leadership, including Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, Deputy Minister of Police Shela Boshielo, and Deputy National Commissioner Cassel Mathale.

Nam-Binh Hoang, Managing Director of Airbus in South Africa, highlighted the long-standing role of the H125/Squirrel in SAPS service. “This type has been in operation for a quarter of a century and continues to be a major boost to both police ground forces and civilian safety. Airbus is very proud to contribute to the SAPS’ operational strength with these new helicopters,” he said.

Minister Cachalia noted that one of the helicopters will be stationed in Umtata and the other in Gauteng. With these new additions, the SAPS Air Wing now operates a fleet of 19 H125/AS350 Squirrel helicopters, alongside six Robinson R44s, one BK117, and two MD500 aircraft. Two more H125s were previously delivered in September 2023, with further acquisitions expected in the future.

The handover also included 12 Paramount Marshall internal security vehicles, acquired through the Criminal Assets Recovery Account (CARA). “These resources are part of an ongoing procurement process aimed at strengthening the SAPS’ capacity to combat crime,” Cachalia explained.

National Police Commissioner Masemola emphasised the operational impact of the new equipment: “Resources of this kind are crucial in the fight against crime, especially serious and violent crime. These helicopters and vehicles will be highly beneficial to specialised units such as the Special Task Force, Tactical Response Team, National Intervention Unit, Public Order Policing, and Visible Policing. They will enhance our ability to respond quickly to organised crime incidents including hijackings, crash-in-transit heists, armed robberies, and other serious offences.”

Segomotso Tire, Executive Manager of Business Development and Industry Support at Armscor, noted that the acquisitions were facilitated by the state-owned defence materiel agency. “Armscor has supported the SAPS for several years, and we aim to continue providing procurement expertise to remove administrative burdens, while assisting other agencies such as the Border Management Authority and Department of Correctional Services,” she said.

The addition of these helicopters and vehicles underscores SAPS’ commitment to enhancing operational readiness and public safety, demonstrating a proactive approach to tackling crime across South Africa.