The government of Ontario has delivered to first of five Airbus H-125 single-engine helicopters to the Peel Regional Police in Southern Ontario in the first phase of the Joint Air Support Unit, a provincial initiative valued at $191 million. The program is to provide close air support for crime fighting, such as tracking stolen vehicles, responding to critical incidents, monitoring dangerous driving and supporting investigations targeting organized crime.
The first phase of the program, with a budget of $134 million, will see an additional four H-125 helicopters will be deployed to other parts of the GTA and Ottawa.
“Criminals are becoming more sophisticated, and our government is making sure police have the tools to stay ahead of them,” said Michael Kerzner, Ontario’s solicitor general. “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 provincial government later budgeted another $57 million for two H-135 twin-engine helicopters for service with the Windsor Police Service and the Niagara Regional Police Service.
“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, said Airbus Helicopter Canada’s president Dwayne Charette. “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.”
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