New H-125 Aircraft to Support Fight Against Auto Theft, Organized Crime and Dangerous Driving
The Ontario government has deployed the first helicopter under its new Joint Air Support Unit, expanding aerial policing capabilities in Peel Region as part of a broader effort to strengthen public safety and help police respond to complex criminal activity.
The new H-125 helicopter, delivered to Peel Regional Police, is part of Ontario’s $191 million provincewide investment aimed at increasing air support resources for police services across the province. The aircraft will provide additional support for investigations, emergency responses and operations targeting auto theft, organized crime and dangerous driving.
“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.”
Ontario Expands Aerial Policing Capacity Through Joint Air Support Unit
The newly deployed helicopter will help Peel Regional Police track stolen vehicles, support critical incident responses, monitor dangerous driving behaviour and assist investigations involving organized crime networks.
Equipped with advanced aviation and surveillance technology, the H-125 aircraft is designed to improve police visibility from the air while helping officers locate suspects, coordinate emergency operations and respond more effectively during time-sensitive situations.
The helicopter will also support cooperation between Peel Regional Police, neighbouring police services and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), creating additional opportunities for coordinated responses during major public safety events and investigations.
Ontario is investing $134 million through the Joint Air Support Unit to provide five helicopters serving police services in the Greater Toronto Area and Ottawa. An additional $57 million, announced through Budget 2025, will fund two H-135 helicopters for the Windsor Police Service and Niagara Regional Police Service.
Police Leaders Highlight Benefits of New Helicopter Investment
Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah said the new aircraft will enhance the service’s ability to respond to emergencies and protect residents.
“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.”
The Ontario Provincial Police also welcomed the deployment, highlighting the role aviation support plays during urgent police operations.
“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,” said Thomas Carrique, Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police.
Industry and Police Partnerships Support Public Safety Goals
The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police said the expanded air support network will provide police services with modern tools to address evolving challenges.
“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,” said Chief Peter Moreira, President of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police.
Airbus Helicopters Canada, which supplied the H-125 aircraft, emphasized the importance of collaboration between government, law enforcement and industry partners.
“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,” said Dwayne Charette, President of Airbus Helicopters Canada.
Ontario’s Continued Investment in Police Resources
The Joint Air Support Unit forms part of Ontario’s broader strategy to provide law enforcement agencies with additional resources to respond to emerging threats and improve community safety.
Through expanded aviation capabilities, the province aims to strengthen police coordination, improve response times and provide officers with advanced tools to address crimes affecting communities across Ontario.