Thales to deliver Bushmaster PMVs to Australian armed forces

Image copyright Thales

This investment will support the evolution of this trusted troop carrier into a next-generation agile vehicle capable of carrying troops, sensing and striking at range, while efficiently defending against battlespace threats..

This announcement supports over 290 jobs and provides continuity for the Thales Bendigo workforce, reinforcing the long-term future of regional advanced manufacturing.

This investment will enable Thales Australia to develop the next generation Bushmaster with the Australian Defence Force, strengthening the Australian Army’s capability to deal with battlefield threats.

Capability enhancements include improved protection and mobility, advanced digital systems and increased adaptability to meet the evolving needs of defence operations.

This announcement bolsters Australia’s industrial capacity, to design, build and sustain key defence assets, while ensuring a robust supply chain. Production of the next generation Bushmaster will start in 2027.

More than 1300 Bushmasters have been manufactured at Thales’ Bendigo facility, with the vehicle being exported to eight nations including the UK, New Zealand, the Netherlands and Japan.

Hervé Dammann, Executive Vice-President, Land and Air Systems, Thales declared: “Thales is honoured by the trust placed by the Australian government on our world-class multirole vehicle, Bushmaster. This major contract for the delivery of hundreds of combat-proven vehicles demonstrates how government and industry can work together to deliver what this country needs.”