SAPS Air Wing Boosts Crime-Fighting Capabilities with New H125 Helicopters
The South African Police Service (SAPS) air wing has recently taken delivery of two H125 light utility helicopters from Airbus, as part of its efforts to modernize its rotary wing fleet. The official handover ceremony took place at Grand Central Airport in Midrand on September 1, where SAPS National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola emphasized the importance of these new assets in enhancing police operations.
The primary objective of introducing these H125 helicopters to the SAPS air wing is to provide critical air support to ground forces in combating high-risk incidents, including cash-in-transit (CIT) heists, armed robberies, hijackings, and other serious and violent crimes. By utilizing the excellent maneuverability, visibility, and low in-cabin vibration levels of the H125, SAPS aims to improve its tracking and tracing capabilities, enabling more efficient responses to criminal activities.
These two helicopters are part of SAPS’ ongoing efforts to recapitalize its fleet, and they are not the first of their kind to be integrated. The initial H125 helicopter was received by General Masemola on December 12 last year, and it is currently stationed in Gauteng to reinforce crime-fighting operations in the region.
To further bolster its crime-combating capabilities, SAPS plans to acquire a total of seven H125 helicopters, with a budget of R400 million ($27.6 million). This acquisition is facilitated by Armscor, the state-owned defense materiel agency, which has a service level agreement with SAPS to provide acquisition and procurement services for the new rotorcraft. By collaborating with Armscor, SAPS aims to achieve synergies within the security cluster departments of the South African government.
In addition to the procurement of new helicopters, Armscor is also responsible for disposing of obsolete landward and aeronautical platforms, ensuring efficient maintenance management services, and supporting SAPS with its air wing requirements. In the recent past, Armscor played a crucial role in the disposal of 13 grounded BO 105 helicopters, as well as the purchase of six R44 helicopters for SAPS.
At present, the SAPS Air Wing operates a fleet of 16 AS350/H125 helicopters, alongside several other rotorcraft and fixed-wing aircraft. These aircraft are utilized for various law enforcement operations, including crime prevention, vehicle tracking, firefighting, crowd control, VIP transport, and search and rescue missions. Equipped with advanced technology such as hoists, cameras, searchlights, and slings, these aircraft are versatile and well-suited for SAPS’ needs.
With approximately 50 pilots and 300 support staff, the SAPS Air Wing plays a vital role in responding to crime call-outs, monitoring public protests and major events, and providing support to specialized police units. Each year, the Air Wing conducts over 2,000 airborne law enforcement operations, with helicopters accounting for the majority of these missions.
By investing in the latest H125 helicopters from Airbus, the SAPS air wing aims to stay at the forefront of crime-fighting operations in South Africa. The enhanced capabilities provided by these modern aircraft will assist SAPS in effectively combating high-risk incidents and safeguarding the communities they serve.
