Ontario's Joint Air Support Unit Deploys First Helicopter in Peel Region

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TORONTO - As part of its plan to protect Ontario and keep communities safe, the Ontario government has delivered the first Joint Air Support Unit helicopter in Peel Region. The deployment marks the first helicopter to enter service through Ontario's Joint Air Support Unit, a $191 million provincewide initiative that is expanding aerial policing capacity across Ontario.

"Criminals are becoming more sophisticated, and our government is making sure police have the tools to stay ahead of them," said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. "This new helicopter will help officers respond faster, coordinate more effectively and strengthen the fight against organized crime, auto theft and dangerous criminal activity."

The new H-125 helicopter will help Peel Regional Police track stolen vehicles, respond to critical incidents, monitor dangerous driving and support investigations targeting organized crime. Equipped with advanced aviation and surveillance technology, the aircraft will strengthen frontline policing by helping officers locate suspects, coordinate emergency responses and support major public safety operations. The helicopter will also support regional and provincial policing operations through collaboration with neighbouring police services and the Ontario Provincial Police.

Ontario is investing $134 million in the Joint Air Support Unit for police services to acquire five helicopters to serve the GTA and Ottawa, and an additional $57 million, announced in Budget 2025, for two H-135 helicopters that will support Windsor Police Service and Niagara Regional Police Service.

Quotes

"Thanks to the Ontario government, Peel Regional Police is expanding its air support capabilities through the Joint Air Support Unit, with the addition of its first helicopter. This helicopter will greatly assist our officers in locating missing people faster, safely tracking suspects from the sky, and responding more effectively to critical incidents. It is another important tool that will help our officers stay ahead of evolving threats and continue keeping our communities safe."

- Chief Nishan Duraiappah
Peel Regional Police

"The Ontario Provincial Police is pleased to support Peel Regional Police's new H-125 helicopter through the Joint Air Support Unit. Aviation is an effective tool used during time-sensitive incidents, such as locating vulnerable missing persons, tracking suspects and supporting frontline operations. Together with our policing partners and support of the provincial government, we continue to strengthen our collaborative approach across Ontario to enhance public safety and protect the communities we serve."

- Thomas Carrique
Commissioner, Ontario Provincial Police

"On behalf of Ontario's police leaders, the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police welcomes the deployment of this first Joint Air Support Unit helicopter to Peel Region. Investments like this give our services the modern tools they need to combat auto theft and organized crime, respond faster to critical incidents and keep officers and communities safer. We thank the Ontario government for its continued partnership with policing on public safety priorities across the province."

- Chief Peter Moreira
President, Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police

"Every aircraft we deliver carries a critical responsibility, and we are deeply honoured by the confidence that Peel Regional Police and the Province of Ontario have placed in Airbus. Strong safety networks depend on true collaboration between government leaders, first responders, and industry partners. Equipping Peel Region's frontline officers with the H-125 gives them an advanced overhead advantage combined with the visibility, performance, and reliability they need to protect residents, deter criminal activity, and build safer neighbourhoods for Ontario."

- Dwayne Charette
President, Airbus Helicopters Canada

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