The New South Wales Police Force has taken a major step forward in enhancing its tactical response capabilities with the acquisition of five custom-built Lenco BearCat armored vehicles. These vehicles, designed to provide maximum protection, mobility, and adaptability, will support law enforcement in responding to high-risk incidents across the state, including counter-terrorism operations, hostage situations, and violent confrontations.
“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.”
– Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley
Advanced Features for Critical Situations
Purpose-built by Lenco Armored Vehicles, each of the nine-tonne vehicles is based on a Ford F-550 chassis and powered by a 6.7-liter V8 turbo diesel engine, offering the durability and reliability needed for complex missions. All five BearCats have been customized to meet the specific needs of the NSWPF.
They are equipped with:
- Lenco Standard Ballistic-rated armor to resist gunfire and explosive threats.
- Rotating roof hatches and riot shield covers for officer protection.
- High-powered spotlights and external speakers for communication.
- High-tech camera systems and advanced communications gear to support coordinated tactical operations.
These features ensure that officers remain protected while maintaining operational awareness and control in the most dangerous environments.
Introducing the BearCat ETS: Australia’s First with an Extendable Tactical Ramp
Among the new additions is a standout model: the BearCat ETS (Elevated Tactics System). This variant is the first of its kind in Australia and features an extendable tactical ramp, designed to give officers safe and efficient access to multi-story buildings, elevated structures, and even aircraft—an invaluable asset in urban environments where vertical access can be crucial.
Lenco’s BearCat ETS can be equipped with various ramp systems to meet specific operational needs. One such system is the Patriot3 Mobile Adjustable Ramp System (MARS), which offers single or dual, side-by-side hydraulic ramps, allowing teams to access two different elevated heights simultaneously. Another option is the Off-Set Ramp System (OSR) by Patriot3, featuring an extendable hydraulic ramp that can reach maximum height within 10 seconds, providing rapid access to elevated areas. These systems enhance the BearCat’s versatility, making it an ideal platform for a wide range of tactical scenarios.
Supporting Officer and Public Safety Across the State
While the ETS will be based in Sydney, the other four BearCats will be strategically deployed across northern, western, and southern regions of New South Wales. This decentralized approach dramatically reduces the response time of armored vehicles to regional areas, ensuring timely support when every second counts.
“These vehicles are deployed by the Tactical Operations 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.”
–NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb
Built for the Mission. Ready for the Threat.
Lenco is proud to support the NSW Police Force as they continue their mission to protect communities, reduce response times, and ensure the safety of officers operating in the most dangerous scenarios.
If you’re ready to custom-build a mission-ready vehicle for your agency, reach out to our team to get started at https://www.lencoarmor.com/contact/
Read more about the recent acquisition from the following original news publishings:
- https://www.defenceconnect.com.au/land/15750-bearcat-armoured-vehicles-roll-out-for-nsw-tactical-counter-terrorism-operations
- https://www.9news.com.au/national/five-new-lenco-bearcat-armoured-vehicles-obtained-by-nsw-police/77500e5e-5851-4715-a9d8-7b04b9a4da4e
- https://www.thecourier.com.au/video/local/x9gabb4/police-unveil-35m-armoured-american-bearcats-to-tackle-high-risk-threats/