NSW Police unveils latest defence for tactical operations
Monday, 17 March 2025 08:06:54 AM
EDITORS NOTE – Vision of the Lenco ‘BearCat’ vehicles will be released later today.
The NSW Police Force has unveiled the latest defence in support of tactical operations, counter-terrorism and riots.
The armoured, nine-tonne Lenco 'BearCat' vehicles have been specifically designed and manufactured to respond to the state’s most dangerous incidents.
The vehicles will transport officers from the Tactical Operations Unit (TOU) and negotiators during operations where protection from hostile weapon fire and a safe base of operations is required.
The five new Lenco BearCats cost $3.5 million and bring the total number of specialised armoured vehicles in NSW to six, the most of any state in the country.
In an Australian first, one of the new BearCats is equipped with an extendable ramp which will allow officers to access multi-storey buildings and aircraft quickly, efficiently, and safely. This vehicle will be stationed in Sydney to respond to metropolitan high-risk incidents.
The four other vehicles will be deployed strategically in northern, western and southern areas of the state, allowing TOU and regional tactical officers and negotiators an increased level of protection when responding to high-risk incidents.
The strategic deployment of these four Bearcats significantly reduces the response time of an armoured vehicle to a regional area.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said the custom vehicles would greatly improve the capability of the TOU to respond to and disrupt high-risk situations across the state.
“The NSW Police Force is world class so it’s only fitting they have modern resources and technology to fight crime and keep our community safe,” Minister Catley said.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said the vehicles were the latest weapon to respond to high-risk incidents, restore public order and protect our police during potential acts of terrorism.
"They are deployed by the Tactical Operation Unit during high-risk situations," Commissioner Webb said.
"This is about protecting our specialist officers.
"All of these vehicles are bullet and blast resistant and have the capacity to transport hostages or injured personnel."
Lenco BearCat Facts:
- Each vehicle weighs nine-tonnes
- Ballistic-rated protection with riot shield covers
- Rotating roof hatches
- Spotlights
- External speakers
- High-tech camera systems
- Advanced technical and communication capabilities
- An extendable ramp in an Australian first feature
- Ford F-550 chassis, powered by a 6.7L V8 turbo diesel engine
The NSW Police Force TOU has conducted extensive research and testing over three years into the world’s leading armoured vehicle manufacturers, working closely with Lenco and Australian armoured vehicle experts to custom design and manufacture vehicles for NSW Police operations.