ONTARIO-The Ontario government says it 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.
“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.” said Chief Nishan Duraiappah, Peel Regional Police.
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.
“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.” stated Chief Peter Moreira, President, Ontario Association of Chiefs of 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.
