The state government will be deploying a new fleet of state-of-the-art aerial drones, which will be used in criminal investigations and search and rescue operations.

Police Minister Michelle Roberts confirmed a significant expansion of the WA Police Force's remote aircraft capability, with the purchase of 35 drones to expand its Air Wing fleet and train 60 pilots over the next two years.

Police Minister Michelle Roberts will today announce a roll-out of a new WA Police Force drone capability. Credit:Darrian Traynor

The drones would be used to support a wide range of police operations including the forensic mapping of crime scenes and police tactical operations.

They would be fitted with high definition video recording cameras, thermal imaging technology, floodlights and speakers and would be suitable for both day and night time operations.