A new $26.9 million helicopter will replace the WA Police’s almost 30-year-old Kawasaki BK117, which has reached the end of its useful life.
Helicopters provide vital support to police operations and play a crucial role in road safety, by helping to resolve high-speed pursuits quickly and safely.
Part funding for the helicopter has been sourced from the Road Trauma Trust Account, while the balance is to be funded from the Consolidated Account.
The new helicopter will be equipped with modern technology and systems which provide enhanced safety, reliability and operating efficiencies.
The Eurocopter Dauphin which became fully operational in mid-2012, will remain in the fleet.
Image: WA Police ‘Polair’ BK117 Helicopter. Credit: Nachoman-au [GFDL, CC-BY-SA-3.0 or CC BY-SA 2.5-2.0-1.0], via Wikimedia Commons