Czech Republic Aerospace Modernization Planned for Police Helicopter Fleet

The Czech Police is planning to modernize its helicopter fleet. Acquisitions are scheduled to begin in 2025 and be completed by 2033. Purchases are expected to be made through public tenders, but direct sales have not been ruled out. The heavier helicopters should be able to carry up to 3,000 kilograms, including firefighting equipment.

The current fleet consists of nine light EC135/Airbus H135 helicopters and six medium Bell 412 helicopters. The current helicopters lack modern navigation systems and adequate payload capacity. The Police plan to acquire nine new medium helicopters by 2025 to rapidly improve operational flexibility and effectiveness. High-ranking officials within the Police Department are leading the decision-making process, and in addition to considering budget, operational needs and technological advances, they may also be looking for a smooth transition from the current helicopters to new ones.

There is a program for the establishment of the Firefighting Center of Excellence in Czechia. This program envisages the procurement of six helicopters, primarily for aerial firefighting and rescue, three of which are to be financed by the EU. The Czech Ministry of the Interior has already received EU funding for one helicopter and has applied for funding for two more. The remaining three helicopters, which will also be used by the Czech Police, will be financed from the Czech state budget.

Czech contracting authorities are obliged to publish detailed information on the tender procedure in the Information System on Public Contracts (ISPC). All international public tenders are simultaneously published in English in the EU’s Tender electronic daily. 

U.S. aerospace firms have a strong reputation for innovation, quality, and after-sales service, and are well-positioned to compete for these new tender opportunities.

For more information, contact Office.Prague@trade.gov or Zdenek.Svoboda@trade.gov at the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Embassy in Prague.