The crew flew 793 hours in 2025 compared to 568 the previous year and 537 in 2023, according to the Daily Record.
In the same period, firearms-related deployments rose from 39 to 59, call-outs to trace suspected persons jumped from 52 to 111, and vehicle pursuits increased from 51 to 92.
The surge in activity comes since Police Scotland launched Operation Portaledge in March last year — a major offensive against organised crime sparked by a violent feud between the Glasgow-based Lyons and Daniel crime families.
To date, more than 60 people have been arrested and a number handed lengthy jail terms.
Glasgow made the most use of the helicopter, with officers in the city calling on its support for 209 incidents last year.
That was followed by Lanarkshire with 157, Ayrshire with 113 and Renfrewshire with 56.
The helicopter is also used to locate missing persons, respond to welfare concerns, and police football matches, demonstrations and other public gatherings.
The deployment figures were released by Police Scotland under Freedom of Information.
Graeme Pearson, former Director General of the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency, was involved in introducing the police helicopter more than 35 years ago and welcomed its expanding role.
He said: “If you are looking for a pre-planned effort for serious and organised crime then the helicopter up in the air can see if property is being disposed of or if people are escaping out of a window.”
“If folk are hiding guns then the helicopter can see what is going on. If the High Court needs photographs of a scene of crime then no one can do it better than a helicopter.”
“Over the years there has been increasing awareness of the value of the helicopter. It covers such a sizeable piece of ground quickly.”
He added: “Officers on foot would take two or three times as long to cover the same area if they are giving chase to a suspect.”
“It is far more efficient to do it by helicopter even though the helicopter is an expensive resource. The experience that the crews have gathered over the years has built up an expertise.”
“A helicopter can also identify problems on the ground during an operation or arrest before they occur.”
David Kennedy, General Secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, said helicopter crews have also proven highly effective in identifying cannabis farms because of the heat they give off.
He said: “We need to use every means possible to fight crime and bring offenders to justice.”
“If you are searching for or chasing a suspect then you don’t have to have police cars doing the same. If you are following from the air it is much safer for both the officers and the public.”
“It is an asset that we wouldn’t want to lose. Would we like more, yes.. But it is just the cost.”
Chief Inspector Andy Scott said: “Police Scotland covers the largest and most diverse geographical area in the United Kingdom, and this unique landscape makes the helicopter a key national asset which supports local policing and communities.”
“By using the helicopter and drones, our air support unit can help officers on the ground locate missing people, save lives, pursue suspects, and support crowd safety at events.”
