The Canadian Durham Regional Police Service has officially unveiled Air4, its new Airbus H125 helicopter, marking a significant enhancement to the service's air support capabilities and ongoing commitment to public safety.

Air4 will be operated by DRPS's Combined Air Support Unit. The aircraft will provide aerial support to frontline officers throughout Durham Region, delivering real-time intelligence and enhanced situational awareness during critical incidents, missing person searches, major investigations, emergency responses and proactive policing initiatives.

The acquisition of Air4 was made possible through Ontario's investment in the Joint Air Support Unit (JASU), a collaborative initiative involving Durham Regional Police Service, Peel Regional Police, Halton Regional Police Service and Toronto Police Service. Supported by funding from the Government of Ontario, JASU strengthens aviation resources across the Greater Toronto Area and helps ensure specialized air support is available when and where it is needed most.

The new helicopter will help police safely locate missing and vulnerable persons, track suspects and stolen vehicles, support emergency response operations and enhance officer and public safety throughout the region.

"Today's unveiling of Air4 represents a significant investment in public safety and the future of policing in Durham Region. 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.

We are grateful to the Government of Ontario for its investment in the Joint Air Support Unit. This aircraft and the enhanced regional air support model it supports would not be possible without the Province's commitment to community safety. Through JASU, police services are working together to ensure specialized aviation resources are available to support communities across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond." said Chief Peter Moreira, Durham Regional Police Service.

“From cracking down on car thieves to helping locate vulnerable missing persons, the Air4 helicopter will be a critical asset for the Durham Regional Police Service and policing partners across the GTA. This investment reflects our shared commitment to community safety and will provide DRPS with enhanced capabilities to prevent crime, apprehend offenders, and support frontline officers across Durham Region. Our government will continue to invest in police services to ensure they have the resources they need to protect Ontario communities.” Said The Hon. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario

DRPS will staff the Combined Air Support Unit (CASU) with a team of civilian pilots and Tactical Flight Officers who will provide aerial support and real-time operational intelligence to officers on the ground. Eight full-time Tactical Flight Officers, supported by part-time Tactical Flight Officers, will work alongside experienced aviation professionals to ensure the aircraft is ready to respond when needed.

Working with JASU partners, DRPS is helping establish a coordinated 24-hour, seven-day-a-week coverage model that will ensure aviation assets are available throughout the Greater Toronto Area at all times. This enhanced capability has been made possible through the Government of Ontario's continued investment in regional air support policing.

Air4 represents the next evolution of air support policing in Durham Region, enhancing the service's ability to respond to complex incidents, support frontline officers and keep communities safe.

The Durham Regional Police Service extends its sincere appreciation to the Government of Ontario for its support of the Joint Air Support Unit. The Province's investment is helping deliver a modern, coordinated air support program that enhances public safety, supports frontline officers and strengthens emergency response capabilities across the region.