Ottawa police got approval Monday night to purchase a military-style vehicle with bullet proof windows designed for high-risk situations.

The police services board approved the $341,000-purchase at a meeting on Monday.

The American-made LENCO G3 BearCat will be used by tactical officers responding to events on and around Parliament Hill, embassies and consulates, according to a memo from Ottawa Police Chief Vern White.

He says the vehicle will give police a tactical advantage in potentially lethal situations.

Other uses for the armoured vehicle include major search and arrest warrants, barricaded person calls and violent situations at the Ottawa International Airport.

The BearCat is currently used by hundreds of U.S. law enforcement agencies.