On Monday March 17 2025 the NSW Government launched five new Tactical Armoured Vehicles, which will significantly strengthen the capability of the NSW Police Force (NSWPF) to respond to high-risk, tactical and counter-terrorism situations.
The armoured Lenco ‘Bearcat’ vehicles were custom designed and custom built for the specific needs of the NSWPF – at a total cost of $3.5 million.
All five Bearcats will be strategically positioned across NSW to support the work of Tactical Police and Police Negotiators.
Key features include ballistically rated steel and glass with riot shield covers, rotating roof hatches, spotlights, external speakers, high-tech camera systems and advanced technical and communication capabilities.
In an Australian first, one of the new Bearcats is equipped with an extendable ramp to allow police to quickly and safely access multi-storey buildings and aircraft. This vehicle will be stationed in Sydney, the other four vehicles will be stationed in northern, western and southern regions – allowing the Tactical Operation Unit and Tactical Operations Regional Squads to quickly respond to high-risk incidents.
The five new Bearcats bring the total number of specialised armoured vehicles in NSW to six and will further allow officers to swiftly and effectively respond to high-risk and counter-terrorism situations, ensuring the safety of the people of NSW.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:
“These custom vehicles will greatly improve the capability of the Tactical Operations Unit to respond to and disrupt high-risk situations across the state.
“The NSW Police Force is world class so it’s only fitting it has modern resources and technology to fight crime and keep our community safe.
“Only a Labor Government backs our hardworking police 100% and ensures they have the capability they need.”
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb APM said:
“These vehicles are deployed by the Tactical Operation Unit during high-risk situations.
"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."
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 strategic deployment of these four Bearcats significantly reduces the response time of an armoured vehicle to a regional area.
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.
Photos: NSW Police Force/NSW Government