Dutch army Bushmaster fleet to be maintained by Thales.

The Dutch government has reaffirmed its trust toward Thales in the field of protected vehicles. On April 26, at the Van Halteren Metaal (VHM) headquarters in the Netherlands, a six-year In-Service Support contract was signed to further improve the already outstanding performance and availability of the Netherland’s Bushmasters.

On April 26th, at the Van Halteren Metaal (VHM) headquarters in the Netherlands, a six year In-Service Support contract was signed to further improve the already outstanding performance and availability of the Netherland’s Bushmasters. (Picture source: Thales)

The Bushmaster vehicles have been in service within the Netherlands Army for over ten years, with an outstanding record including operations in the Middle East where the vehicle’s superior protection, mobility and combat effectiveness were proven to be critical, as they saved many lives. The In-Service Support contract signed includes the transfer of technology from Australia to Van Halteren Metaal, building long term expertise in the maintenance of the Bushmaster.

This contract combines Thales’s expertise as the Original Equipment Manufacturer and VHM’s established excellence in hands-on maintenance services to deliver increased availability and excellent value for money for the Netherlands Government. The innovative partnership between Thales and VHM will provide preventative maintenance and a local repair and modification capability for the Netherlands Government.

“There is a long history of trust between the Netherlands and Thales. Ten years ago, we built the best tactical platform to meet the Dutch Army’s ambitions around the world. Thales continually invests and innovates in future technologies to meet the challenge of evolving battlefield threats and to maintain the Bushmaster at state of the art.” Pierre Bénard, Vice-President, Vehicles and Tactical systems at Thales.