NSW launches armed police unit patrolling Sydney with high-powered rifles
NSW Police launched Australia's first permanent armed response unit with 100 trained officers after the December 2025 Bondi terror attack.
NSW Police deployed a new Armed Response Command across Sydney on Sunday. The 100 officers completed six months of specialist training.
Officers now patrol crowded public spaces, major events, sporting matches and places of worship carrying high-powered rifles. The command completed more than 70 tasks in its first 24 hours.
Police say the visible presence deters would-be terrorists from attacking civilians. The unit was established following the December 2025 Bondi terror attack.
Jewish community leader Alex Ryvchin backed the move. While armed officers on streets can be confronting, he said the alternative is worse.
Australia's terrorism threat level currently sits at probable.
- 100
- Officers trained
- 6 months
- Training duration
- over 70
- Tasks in first 24 hours
- probable
- Threat level
Why it mattersThe armed unit aims to prevent and quickly stop terror attacks in crowded spaces where Australians gather for daily life and events.
AustraliaAustralians will see armed officers patrolling public spaces for the first time as NSW responds to the terror threat with a permanent security force.
Corroborated by7news.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 4 h ago
