Australia has reportedly launched its first dedicated armed police response unit

Australia has reportedly launched its first dedicated armed police response unit, deploying officers with military-style assault rifles across Sydney following the December 2025 antisemitic terrorist attack at a Bondi Beach Hanukkah celebration that killed 15 people. The new Armed Response Command, backed by A$94 million and planned to include 250 officers, will patrol crowded public areas, tourist destinations, major events, sporting venues and places of worship to deter threats and respond rapidly to attacks.