Australia’s first police vehicle with an extendable ramp enables direct access to aircraft and multi-storey buildings, enhancing tactical response.
NSW Police have unveiled five new Lenco “BearCat” tactical armoured vehicles, worth $3.5 million (US$2.2 million), to strengthen their response to high-risk situations.
In an Australian first, the vehicle is equipped with an extendable ramp to provide direct access to aircraft and multi-storey buildings, enhancing police operational capabilities.
Police Minister Yasmin Catley and Police Commissioner Karen Webb announced the fleet on March 17, highlighting its strategic deployment across the state to support tactical officers and negotiators.
The BearCats, designed to withstand bullets and blasts, will also be used for hostage rescue and emergency extractions.
“These are state-of-the-art vehicles with the most up-to-date technology that police need in their operational capability,” Catley said.
Commissioner Webb described the investment as a game-changer.
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“This will take us forward for at least 20 years. We’re the first in Australia to have this new technology, and it will significantly enhance the safety and effectiveness of our tactical officers.”
The investment follows the Australian government’s decision to raise the terrorism threat level from “possible” to “probable” in August 2024, citing growing security concerns across all ideological spectrums.
Intelligence officials warned of increased polarisation, though no single issue or ideology triggered the change.
Aircraft and Multi-Storey Access a First for Australia
The Sydney-based BearCat features an extendable ramp, allowing officers to reach aircraft doors and enter high-rise buildings during emergencies swiftly.
“This unique feature enhances our ability to respond to incidents such as hijackings, counter-terrorism operations, and sieges in urban environments,” Webb explained.
The other four vehicles will be positioned across NSW’s northern, western, and southern regions, reducing response times and improving safety in regional operations.
Advanced Technology for High-Risk Operations
Built on a Ford F-550 chassis and powered by a 6.7L V8 turbo diesel engine, the nine-tonne BearCats feature advanced ballistic-rated protection, riot shield covers, rotating roof hatches, high-tech camera systems, spotlights, and external speakers.
“These custom vehicles will greatly improve the capability of the Tactical Operations Unit (TOU) to respond to and disrupt high-risk situations across the state,” Catley said.
The TOU spent three years researching and testing global armoured vehicle manufacturers, working closely with Lenco and Australian defence experts to customise the BearCats for NSW Police needs.
The five new BearCats bring the total number of NSW’s armoured police vehicles to six, the highest of any state.
Their strategic placement ensures rapid response to high-risk incidents, enhancing NSW Police’s counter-terrorism and public order capabilities.
“These vehicles are not just about protection; they are about ensuring our officers can engage safely and effectively in the most dangerous situations,” Webb said.
