Swedish National Police to buy new helicopters

The Swedish Police has decided to replace its current fleet of EC135s with seven new helicopters. “The present fleet of six helicopters will be replaced, as well as expanded with an additional machine that substitutes for the aircraft that was lost in an accident outside Gothenburg in 2007 [SE-HPS]”, says Göran Ramström, base leader at Air Station Stockholm.

The helicopters used in the famous Hall prison escape back in 2004 are still in use. They have been in service since 2001/2003 and are now in need of replacement. The formal decision to initiate the public acquisition process was recently made by National Police Chief Bengt Svenson. The helicopter procurement contract is expected to be one of the largest within the organization for many years.

The Swedish Police Wing is now underway with a number of initiatives. Fifteen people have been hired as airborne operators, the helicopters are to be staffed round-the-clock, and the brand new are helicopters to be purchased.