New EORT armoured vehicle

Minister for Police Mark Ryan and Commissioner Ian Stewart today announced the arrival of a new armoured vehicle for the QPS Explosive Ordnance Response Team (EORT).

“The Palaszczuk Government made a commitment to ensure police right across Queensland, including our specialist units have the resources they need to keep not only our communities safe but to also ensure the safety of our frontline men and women,” Minister Ryan said.

“This $600,000 investment means that Queensland now has an armoured vehicle that uses advanced ballistic and blast protection and allows the safe deployment of specialist staff at high risk jobs including tasks where explosive devices, as well as firearms are present.

“The Queensland Police currently have two armoured vehicles, known as Bearcats, however our new Bombcat is like the big brother to our existing Bearcats – it’s bigger, stronger and will offer our police an extra level of protection.

“The BOMBCAT was purpose built to meet the needs of the Queensland Police Service and uses leading edge technology to protect officers and the community from explosives threats.”

Commissioner Stewart said the project to acquire the armoured vehicle commenced in 2015.

“The BOMBCAT has been designed specifically to support EORT operational requirements but is also able to fully support interoperability with both Negotiator and Special Emergency Response Team requirements, during high risk incidents.

“These operations can include tasks where explosive devices, as well as firearms are present,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“At seven metres long, two and a half metres wide and three metres high, this machine means serious business.

“It weighs 9.8 tonnes and was built on a Ford F550 Super Duty chassis with a turbo diesel engine that incorporates blue fuel additive technology to reduce emissions,” Commissioner Stewart said.

ENDS

Media contacts

Minister Ryan’s Office:                                                                  Ph: (07) 3035 8300

Police Media:                                                                                 Ph: (07) 3015 2444