Australia’s Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy announced an AUD 45 million (USD 30 million) contract between the Australian Department of Defence and Thales Australia for the acquisition of an additional 15 Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles (PMVs).
The additional 15 Bushmasters will facilitate command and control of the Australian Army’s High Mobility Artillery Rocket System long-range fires regiment and will accelerate the delivery of the first land-based long-range fires capability for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
The Bushmaster PMV is manufactured in Bendigo, Victoria and directly supports 250 jobs in the local community and a further 300 across Thales Australia’s extensive supply chain.
Jeff Connolly, CEO, Thales Australia and New Zealand said: “Thales Australia commends the Australian Government for its commitment to supporting regional industry and jobs, and ensuring the ADF is equipped to deter potential threats and keep Australia safe.”
“This announcement is a vote of confidence in the workers at Thales’ Protected Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Bendigo, and in the Bushmasters they have made for more than 20 years.”
Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy said: “I am delighted to be back in Bendigo to announce a further $45 million investment in the region, with the production of an additional 15 Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles. This additional investment in Bendigo is another example of the Albanese Government’s commitment to a future made in Australia.”
The 17-tonne 4×4 Bushmaster is a combat-proven vehicle that is currently in service with the ADF and eight other nations. It has been successfully deployed on operations in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and the Pacific. Ongoing design enhancements, a wide range of user-selectable mission equipment, and mature through-life support have ensured that the Bushmaster continues to meet evolving customer requirements.
The vehicle is designed to perform a diverse range of mission profiles with variants including troop carrier, command, patrol, support, weapons deployment, and ambulance. It is designed and built to protect up to 10 occupants, combining high levels of blast and ballistic protection with excellent off-road mobility.
