New Zealand’s Defence Minister Ron Mark announced on July 8 that the government has approved the NZD102.9 million (USD67.5 million) procurement of 43 Thales Australia Bushmaster 4×4 Protected Mobility Vehicles to replace the armored Pinzgauer Light Operational Vehicles.
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Bushmaster Protected Vehicle (Picture source: Thales/New Zeland Army)

“The New Zealand Army operates in diverse and challenging environments, so a multi-purpose, highly mobile vehicle has been selected, one that has proven its ability to provide a high level of protection”, Defence Minister Ron Mark said. Speaking about the 43 Bushmasters purchased, he added: “Funding of $102.9 million will deliver the vehicles, along with training, a desktop simulator, support equipment and infrastructure upgrades at Linton Camp”. The new fleet of Australian-designed and-built Bushmasters will provide “better protection for personnel and improved carrying capacity”, said Defence Minister Ron Mark.

Along with wide use in Australia and other Five Eyes nations, the Bushmaster is already in service with New Zealand’s Special Operations Forces. Delivery of the 43 vehicles is expected to start in late 2022, with the full fleet scheduled to begin operational introduction in late 2023.

Bushmaster Protected Vehicle demonstrated in France on May 31, 2018 (Picture source: Army Recognition)