Helicopters are to be bought by police in Northern Ireland in a new offensive against criminals and paramilitary violence, it emerged today.
A special team has been established to examine how many of the £3 million craft are needed.
Security sources claimed the move would speed up the demilitarisation process demanded by nationalists and bring the service into line with other UK forces.
One said: "Hopefully we won't have to depend on Army helicopters any more if this goes ahead.
"Most forces have one and we are trying to get the best, most modern equipment."
Chief Constable Hugh Orde will have to approve the plans before they are submitted to his Policing Board and the Northern Ireland Office for funding.
A projects team led by the Operations Department at the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Belfast headquarters has already drawn up specifications.
They are examining three Home Office-approved helicopters best meets PSNI needs.
Models by the Franco-German consortium Eurocopter, US giant Boeing McDonnell-Douglas and the Italian manufacturer Augusta are in the running. PA