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Thales Expands Bushmaster Vehicle Production Program
Australian Government funding supports next-generation protected mobility vehicles with upgraded protection, payload capacity, and modular systems for evolving land defence requirements.
www.thalesgroup.com
Thales Australia's Bushmaster ©Thales
Protected mobility platforms remain central to modern land forces, combining troop transport with survivability and mission adaptability across diverse operational environments. In this context, the Australian Government has committed AU$750 million for additional vehicle procurement, with Thales set to deliver 268 next-generation Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles (PMVs).
Scaling production at Bendigo facility
The vehicles will be manufactured at Thales’ Bendigo, Victoria site, extending an existing production program that has already delivered more than 1,300 Bushmasters. The facility has supplied vehicles to multiple international customers, including the United Kingdom, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Japan, indicating established export capability alongside domestic production.
The new investment supports continued operation of the Bendigo plant, sustaining over 290 jobs and maintaining regional advanced manufacturing capacity. It also reinforces Australia’s sovereign defence manufacturing base and associated supply chain infrastructure.
Platform redesign for expanded operational roles
The next-generation Bushmaster is being developed to extend beyond its original troop carrier role into a more versatile battlefield platform. Enhancements focus on mobility, survivability, and integration of digital systems to support modern defence operations.
The updated design includes increased personnel capacity and higher towing capability, allowing the vehicle to support additional payloads and mission equipment. Structural upgrades such as reinforced armour improve protection against battlefield threats, while the platform is engineered to carry more powerful weapon systems, including roof-mounted effectors.
Modular architecture and integrated systems
A key feature of the redesign is a modular crew cabin, enabling reconfiguration based on mission requirements. This supports varied operational roles, from troop transport to command or support functions.
The platform is also designed to integrate a range of sensors and effectors, enabling improved threat detection and response. These capabilities align with the broader shift toward a digitally integrated defence ecosystem, where vehicles operate as nodes within a connected battlefield network.
Preparing for domestic deployment and export markets
Production of the next-generation Bushmaster is scheduled to begin in 2027. The platform includes design adaptations such as left-hand drive configurations and updated communications interfaces to support international deployment requirements.
This program contributes to Australia’s defence industrial base by strengthening local design, manufacturing, and sustainment capabilities, while also positioning the platform for continued export in the global protected mobility vehicle market.
Edited by Aishwarya Mambet, Induportals Editor, with AI assistance.
www.thalesgroup.com
Protected mobility platforms remain central to modern land forces, combining troop transport with survivability and mission adaptability across diverse operational environments. In this context, the Australian Government has committed AU$750 million for additional vehicle procurement, with Thales set to deliver 268 next-generation Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles (PMVs).
Scaling production at Bendigo facility
The vehicles will be manufactured at Thales’ Bendigo, Victoria site, extending an existing production program that has already delivered more than 1,300 Bushmasters. The facility has supplied vehicles to multiple international customers, including the United Kingdom, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Japan, indicating established export capability alongside domestic production.
The new investment supports continued operation of the Bendigo plant, sustaining over 290 jobs and maintaining regional advanced manufacturing capacity. It also reinforces Australia’s sovereign defence manufacturing base and associated supply chain infrastructure.
Platform redesign for expanded operational roles
The next-generation Bushmaster is being developed to extend beyond its original troop carrier role into a more versatile battlefield platform. Enhancements focus on mobility, survivability, and integration of digital systems to support modern defence operations.
The updated design includes increased personnel capacity and higher towing capability, allowing the vehicle to support additional payloads and mission equipment. Structural upgrades such as reinforced armour improve protection against battlefield threats, while the platform is engineered to carry more powerful weapon systems, including roof-mounted effectors.
Modular architecture and integrated systems
A key feature of the redesign is a modular crew cabin, enabling reconfiguration based on mission requirements. This supports varied operational roles, from troop transport to command or support functions.
The platform is also designed to integrate a range of sensors and effectors, enabling improved threat detection and response. These capabilities align with the broader shift toward a digitally integrated defence ecosystem, where vehicles operate as nodes within a connected battlefield network.
Preparing for domestic deployment and export markets
Production of the next-generation Bushmaster is scheduled to begin in 2027. The platform includes design adaptations such as left-hand drive configurations and updated communications interfaces to support international deployment requirements.
This program contributes to Australia’s defence industrial base by strengthening local design, manufacturing, and sustainment capabilities, while also positioning the platform for continued export in the global protected mobility vehicle market.
Edited by Aishwarya Mambet, Induportals Editor, with AI assistance.
www.thalesgroup.com
