Durham, Ontario, police unveil Airbus H125 for regional air support

Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) in Ontario, Canada, has unveiled a new Airbus H125 helicopter to expand aerial law enforcement and emergency response capabilities across Durham Region and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Designated Air4, the helicopter will be operated by DRPS’s Combined Air Support Unit (CASU), providing aerial surveillance and real-time intelligence to officers responding to critical incidents, missing-person searches, and major investigations.

The aircraft is equipped with thermal imaging, day-and-night camera systems, high-definition video transmission, a high-intensity searchlight, advanced mapping equipment, and a public address system.

According to DRPS, the H125 has an endurance of up to 4.5 hours and can reach speeds of 250km/h, allowing it to support operations across Durham Region and neighboring police jurisdictions.

Air4 forms part of Ontario’s Joint Air Support Unit (JASU) initiative, which brings together DRPS, Peel Regional Police, Halton Regional Police Service, and Toronto Police Service to coordinate aviation resources across the GTA.

The participating agencies are developing a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week regional coverage model intended to improve aircraft availability during emergencies and major incidents.

DRPS Chief Peter Moreira said: “Air support has long played a valuable role in helping our officers protect the community, and Air4 enhances that capability through advanced technology, improved operational flexibility, and strengthened regional partnerships.”

The helicopter will be operated by civilian pilots working alongside tactical flight officers responsible for delivering aerial intelligence to personnel on the ground. DRPS said eight full-time tactical flight officers, supported by additional part-time personnel, would form part of the unit.

CASU also oversees the service’s existing Air1 aircraft, remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), and the developing drone-as-first-responder (DFR) program.

Bringing these capabilities under one unit is intended to improve coordination between crewed aircraft and drones during police and emergency response operations.

Further reading: Discover how the Dallas Police Department in Texas is upgrading its Airbus H125 helicopter with advanced avionics, surveillance systems, and specialist law enforcement equipment.