Police said on Wednesday that a new fleet of armoured vehicles, manufactured on the mainland, is expected to officially come into operation next month.

The force said the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department has already tested the fourth-generation vehicles, known as "saber-toothed tigers", and officers will carry out internal training this month.

In a reply to an RTHK enquiry, the police said various types of less-lethal ammunition can be used on the new fleet.

It added that most law enforcement agencies around the world use armoured carriers during periods of riot, unrest, as well as for anti-terrorism work.

Authorities said their current Unimog models have been in service for over 10 years since March 2009, and their wear and tear have been accelerated after they were frequently mobilised between 2019 and 2020.

In 2018, the force started to procure six armoured vehicles to replace the Unimogs. The tendering process was completed last October.