Hong Kong Police Force’s ‘Sabertooth’ vehicles roll out next month

The Chinese-made Sabertooth armored vehicles acquired by the Hong Kong Police Force are set to roll into service starting next month, after they passed the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department’s testing in April. 

Mainland media reported that the Sabertooth is fitted with three gun ports on each side and a machine gun mount on the roof.  

It is also equipped with smoke or teargas grenade launchers, searchlights, a speaker system, an electric winch, a camera system, an infrared camera system, and a long-range acoustic device - an anti-riot sound device. 

Responding to media inquiries, the force said their current Unimog armored vehicles have been in service for over 10 years since March 2009. 

It noted the Unimogs were mobilized frequently during the 2019 social unrest, accelerating its wear and tear on machinery. 

According to last year’s Budget, the SAR government had set aside some HK$78 million to acquire six of the Chinese-made armored vehicles, with each costing around HK$12.7 million.