Thales Australia to Build Additional Bushmasters.

Thales Australia has announced the production of 15 additional Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles (PMVs) under a 45 million Australian dollar contract with the Department of Defence. These new vehicles will be specially configured as command and control (C2) vehicles for the long-range artillery regiment of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) of the Australian Army.
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Australian Army Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles. (Picture source: US DoD)

This new order is part of a series of developments aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of the Australian Army. Since 2021, approximately 149 Bushmasters have been withdrawn from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) service and exported to partner countries, including Ukraine, Fiji, and Indonesia. These exports demonstrate international confidence in the robustness and effectiveness of the Australian Bushmasters.

To date, the government has only ordered 93 vehicles to replace those exported, including this latest batch. This situation highlights a potential deficit that could impact the ADF’s protected mobility capabilities in the short term.

Bushmasters are renowned for their ability to protect their occupants from mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Equipped with a V-shaped hull, these vehicles are designed to deflect the energy of an explosion away from the cabin, thereby increasing passenger survival. Additionally, Bushmasters are equipped with advanced communication systems, mounted weaponry, and can carry up to 10 fully equipped soldiers.

The C2 versions of the Bushmasters will be equipped with advanced technologies for command and control, including secure communication systems and real-time battle management capabilities. These upgrades will enable the Australian Army to effectively coordinate HIMARS operations, thereby enhancing their precision and effectiveness on the battlefield.

The decision to bolster the Bushmaster fleet comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions and the need for Australia to modernize its defense capabilities.

Ukraine, in particular, greatly benefits from these vehicles in its defense against Russian aggression. The Bushmasters have been widely praised for their performance in the field, providing vital protection to Ukrainian troops and improving their mobility in areas of intense conflict.

For Thales Australia, this new order represents continued validation of their expertise in military vehicles and their ability to meet the changing needs of the Australian Army. The company has invested heavily in research and development to ensure that Bushmasters remain at the forefront of protection and mobility technology.

The production of the 15 new C2 vehicles will also bolster the local economy, creating jobs and stimulating related industries. Thales Australia has emphasized its commitment to using local components and technologies wherever possible, thereby strengthening the Australian defense industry.

A Bushmaster bound for Ukraine waits to be loaded onto a C-17A Globemaster at RAAF Base Amberley. ( Picture Source: US DoD)