Australia Expands Bushmaster Fleet with AUD 100 Million Deal for 44 Vehicles
In a strategic move to bolster its defence capabilities, the Australian Government has awarded Thales Australia a contract worth AUD 100 million to produce 44 additional Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles (PMVs). These vehicles, celebrated for their robust design and battlefield performance, will be manufactured at Thales’ Bendigo facility in Victoria, ensuring continued support for local jobs, the defence supply chain, and national security.
Specifications of the Bushmaster PMV
The Bushmaster, a globally recognized platform, is designed to provide superior protection and mobility in combat scenarios. Key specifications include:
- Role: Multi-role protected vehicle (e.g., troop transport, command, patrol, and ambulance)
- Weight: Approximately 15 tons
- Capacity: Up to 10 personnel, including the driver
- Protection: Ballistic, mine, and improvised explosive device (IED) protection with high-hardness steel armor
- Speed: Maximum speed of 100 km/h
- Range: Up to 800 km on a full tank
- Armament: Configurable with machine guns, grenade launchers, or remote weapon systems
- Engine: Turbocharged diesel engine (up to 300 horsepower)
- Additional Features: Run-flat tires, central tire inflation system, and extensive communication systems
Supporting Australia’s Defence Strategy
The additional Bushmasters are destined for the Australian Army’s second long-range fires regiment, headquartered at the Edinburgh Defence Precinct in South Australia. This unit is part of the newly established 10th Fires Brigade, emphasizing the growing focus on advanced and mobile artillery capabilities.
Since its inception over two decades ago, the Bushmaster has earned its reputation as a reliable, battle-proven asset. Over 1,300 units have been produced at Bendigo, with exports to allied nations such as the UK, New Zealand, Japan, Indonesia, and the Netherlands. The vehicle’s adaptability makes it suitable for diverse operational needs, from peacekeeping missions to high-intensity combat scenarios.
Thales’ Commitment to Innovation and Local Industry
Thales Australia’s CEO, Jeff Connolly, hailed the government’s investment as a testament to the Bushmaster’s enduring value and the expertise of the Bendigo workforce. “This is an important investment in Australia’s industrial base that will deliver the capabilities our army needs – a battle-proven and locally-made platform that will get the job done for decades to come,” Connolly stated.
The new contract ensures job security for hundreds of workers and sustains Australia’s manufacturing capabilities. It also enables Thales to invest in future upgrades, ensuring the Bushmaster remains relevant in evolving operational environments. These advancements may include enhanced survivability, increased payload capacity, improved communication systems, and integration of emerging technologies such as autonomous navigation.
Broader Implications of the AUD 100 Million Deal
This latest order is part of a broader investment in the Bushmaster programme, which has already exceeded AUD 300 million. The funding underscores the vehicle’s critical role in Australia’s defence strategy, cementing its status as a cornerstone of national and allied military operations.
By securing this deal, Thales reinforces its position as a trusted partner of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The company’s focus on innovation, coupled with the Bushmaster’s proven performance, ensures it will continue to play a key role in safeguarding Australia and supporting global allies for decades to come.
The Bushmaster’s legacy, combined with Thales’ manufacturing expertise, reflects a commitment to both national security and local industry growth. As the Bendigo facility gears up for this latest production cycle, it underscores the essential link between defence capability and industrial resilience in a rapidly evolving global security landscape.
