Australia orders 44 additional Bushmaster vehicles from Thales in AUD 100 million deal

The Bushmaster, a battle-proven platform in service for over 20 years, will now support the Australian Army’s second long-range fires regiment. This unit will be based at the Edinburgh Defence Precinct in South Australia as part of the 10th Fires Brigade.

The Bendigo facility has produced over 1,300 Bushmasters, exporting to eight nations, including the UK, New Zealand, and Japan. The vehicle’s versatility is evident in its multiple variants, including troop carrier, command, patrol, and ambulance roles.

Thales Australia’s CEO, Jeff Connolly, welcomed the investment, describing it as a critical boost to the country’s defence industry. “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,” he said.

The contract provides long-term stability for the Bendigo manufacturing facility, enabling the development of future upgrades and next-generation capabilities for the Bushmaster platform. Thales aims to innovate new roles for the vehicle while continuing to deliver reliable solutions for national and allied defence forces.

The $100 million commitment is part of a broader investment in the Bushmaster programme, which has already surpassed $300 million. This funding underscores the platform’s value to Australia’s defence strategy and highlights Thales’ role as a trusted partner in enhancing national security.

Connolly also highlighted the workforce’s skills and dedication, which contribute to the Bushmaster’s success. “The Bendigo team’s engineering expertise and technical skills are vital to protecting Australia and supporting its allies,” he added.