Officers armed with military-style assault weapons are set to be a normal sight on Sydney streets.
NSW Police's new Armed Response Command (ARC) began its first patrols of the Harbour City on Sunday.
The unit was established to provide 'a permanent, highly trained and intelligence-led policing capability across Sydney'.
The unit of more than 200 police are equipped with Australian Combat Assault Rifles, a military-style weapon made by Lithgow Arms.
'ARC is designed to deter, prevent and respond to serious armed threats. ARC officers will conduct routine high-visibility patrols at priority locations, places of mass gathering and major events,' NSW Police said in a statement.
ARC officers undergo months-long training in long-arm rifle use and specialised driving for quicker response times.
The command was created in the wake of the alleged Bondi Beach terror attack on December 14, which saw 15 innocent people killed at a Jewish celebration on Australia's most famous beach.
ARC Commander Detective Superintendent Andrew Evans said the unit was designed to prevent future tragedies like the alleged attack at Bondi.
NSW Police's new Armed Response Command began its operations on Sunday
The unit will patrol Sydney while armed with long-arm rifles (above)
The command was designed following the alleged terror attack at Bondi Beach on December 14 The unit will will also work with Operation Shelter.
This was established in October 2023 to target incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia.
'I want to reassure the community that this command has been built from the ground up with one overriding purpose: preserving life,' Commander Evans said.
'The tragic events at Bondi demonstrated the devastating consequences when an alleged armed offender attacks innocent people.
'Since that time, we have looked at international best practice and strengthened our capabilities to prevent another tragedy.'
While it is standard for officers to carry handguns, large firearms were typically reserved for tactical operations.
The NSW Government invested $94million in the ARC, which will eventually consist of 250 full-time officers and 28 civilian support and intelligence staff.
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