Bell announced at the Australian International Airshow this week that they had placed five new twin-engined Bell 429s with Australian police forces.
Queensland Police Service (QPS) is set to add three 429s to its fleet, with South Australia (SAPOL) taking a further two.
The QPS delivery is part of a POLAIR contract between QPS and Townsville-based Meridian Helicopters to provide airborne law enforcement capability in north Queensland for the next 10 years.
“It fills us with much pride to have QPS and their service providers see the immense value the Bell 429 brings to the table, especially in keeping Queenslanders, far and wide, safe," said Bell Business Development Director Daniel McQuestin.
"The addition of these three aircraft will enhance QPS’ aerial functions, improve response times and support critical missions, reinforcing the global reputation of the Bell 429 as a high quality and reliable law enforcement platform."
The QPS Bell 429s will be equipped with night vision capabilities and cameras to assist officers in tracking vehicles, apprehending offenders and SAR missions.
Toll Aviation, with the Government of South Australia, signed a purchase agreement for the two Bell 429s to support SAPOL's air wing. Once the aircraft are delivered starting in October 2027, SAPOL will become Australia’s third law enforcement agency to deploy 429s.
“We are thrilled to welcome Toll Aviation and SAPOL into the ever-growing Bell family," said David Sale, Bell managing director, Asia Pacific. "It truly is gratifying to know that our aircraft will play a crucial role in keeping the South Australian community safe.
"Alongside Jet Aviation, a Bell independent representative, we are committed to continuously engaging with customers in Oceania to sustain the positive momentum of the Bell 429, which is the light twin platform of choice for law enforcement work.”
Other law-enforcement and SAR organisations to use the Bell 429 include the New South Wales Police, Canadian Coast Guard, Indonesia National Police, New York Police Department, Royal Thai Police, and Swedish National Police.