Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner has stepped down from his position on the National Police Air Service (NPAS) National Strategic Board after more than four years – citing ongoing concerns about value for money, efficiency and the need for urgent modernisation.

PCC Philip Wilkinson has represented the five forces across the south west for the last four years and said he could no longer support a system that places a disproportionate financial burden on smaller forces while failing to reflect how policing is evolving.

Mr Wilkinson said: “I have briefed colleagues previously on my concerns about NPAS and the direction of travel. Yesterday, I was notified that NPAS has ordered a further two helicopters, in addition to the seven already commissioned.

“I cannot be associated with a decision which, in my view, risks representing a serious misuse of public money at a time when policing must be focused on efficiency and modernisation.

“I have therefore taken the decision to resign and my resignation letter sets out my reasons in full.”

Across the south west, the total cost of fixed wing aircraft, helicopters and associated bases is £6.82M for the 2025/26 financial year, with Wiltshire Police contributing £595,000.

Mr Wilkinson said that forces in the south west, including Wiltshire, are contributing significant funding towards capabilities that are rarely used locally.

He added: “That means vast sums of taxpayers’ money are being spent on a service which, in practice, provides limited benefit to the communities paying for it.

“At the same time, we are already seeing the growing effectiveness of locally deployed drone technology, which is more flexible, more responsive and better aligned to the types of incidents our officers are dealing with every day.”

Advances in drones and artificial intelligence present a clear opportunity to modernise police air support and deliver better value for money, Mr Wilkinson continued.

He said: “Policing must keep pace with technological change. Drones, as a First Responder, is already demonstrating how we can get eyes on incidents faster and at significantly lower cost.

“This is not about replacing existing air support but about ensuring we have the right mix of capability. Helicopters and fixed wing aircraft will continue to have an important role, but they must sit alongside greater investment in emerging technologies that can deliver faster, more efficient outcomes.

“In 1914, the War Office had the moral courage and vision to resist the pressures of the generals to continue to invest in horses rather than tanks and move towards new technology. In 2026, we need that same willingness to adapt. It is increasingly clear – from developments in Ukraine and elsewhere – that the future of air capability lies in drones.

“That is not to say traditional assets, like helicopters and fixed wings, have no role but continuing to invest tens of millions in piloted aircraft, infrastructure and bases without fully embracing new technology risks missing a significant opportunity to deliver more efficient, modern policing. And at a time where national police reform is still very much in progress.

“I have continuously challenged this with my representations falling on deaf ears. This leaves me with no choice but to resign on principle.”

Mr Wilkinson added that smaller and more rural forces are particularly affected under the current NPAS arrangements.

“Forces like Wiltshire cover large geographic areas but operate with more limited budgets. It is essential that every pound is spent where it has the greatest impact,” he said.

“Continuing to invest heavily in capabilities that do not match local demand risks diverting funding away from frontline policing.”

Mr Wilkinson confirmed he will continue to press for a national review of police air support to ensure it is modern, efficient and properly aligned with current and future policing needs.

He said: “My responsibility is to the public – to make sure their money is used wisely and that policing has the right tools to keep people safe. That must mean embracing innovation, improving efficiency and ensuring the system works for all forces.