Australia Orders 268 Next-Gen Bushmasters

Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle (PMV) | Image: Thales

Thales Group will deliver 268 next-generation Bushmaster PMV vehicles to the Australian Defence Force under a new investment by the Australian Government valued at AU$750 million.

The investment is aimed at strengthening domestic defence manufacturing and sustaining production at Thales Australia’s Bendigo facility. According to the company, the programme will support more than 290 jobs and ensure continuity for the workforce involved in producing the Bushmaster vehicle.

The next-generation Bushmaster will be developed in collaboration with the Australian Defence Force. Planned upgrades include changes to protection, mobility, and onboard systems. The vehicle is expected to carry more personnel, tow heavier loads, and support the integration of additional weapons systems, sensors, and communications equipment. It will also feature a modular crew cabin to allow different configurations depending on operational requirements.

Production of the updated Bushmaster is scheduled to begin in 2027. The vehicle has been in service for several years, with more than 1,300 units already manufactured at the Bendigo site. Previous exports have included deliveries to countries such as the United Kingdom, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Japan.

The new version is also being designed with export in mind, including a left-hand drive configuration and updated communications interfaces. The programme is intended to strengthen Australia’s ability to design, build, and maintain defence equipment while supporting supply chains linked to the project.

“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.””

Thales Australia employs more than 4,500 people across 35 sites and supports additional jobs through its supply chain. The company is part of the wider Thales Group, which operates in defence, aerospace, and digital sectors.