Australian Army orders 214 additional Bushmasters
Thales Australia has announced that the Australian Government is to purchase an additional 214 Bushmaster vehicles for the Australian Army. Thales made the announcement on 3 July 2012 in a company statement.
Over 800 Bushmaster vehicles are on order and in-service with the Australian and Netherlands armed forces. Thales called the Australian government’s decision a ‘tremendous expression of confidence’ in the vehicle.
Thales Australia CEO Chris Jenkins commented: ‘Bushmaster vehicles are proving their worth every day in Afghanistan under some of the harshest conditions imaginable. The vehicle’s life-saving design, off road mobility and reliability have made it a mainstay of Australian operations.’
No information about contract worth or delivery schedules has yet been released.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Networked advantage: keeping unmanned systems in the loop with battlefield radio technology]()
Networked advantage: keeping unmanned systems in the loop with battlefield radio technology
Unmanned systems are powerful intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) assets and communication tools, but are often isolated from wider networks, limiting their potential. Industry is now tackling this challenge, empowering UxVs to act as integrated nodes across domains.
-
![“A staggering rate of change”: how experience combating IEDs is being applied to the C-UAS arena]()
“A staggering rate of change”: how experience combating IEDs is being applied to the C-UAS arena
The scale of the current escalation in drone attacks is fuelling demand for C-UAS technology that must address a rapidly evolving and expanding threat. Against this background, important lessons can be learned from the battle against IEDs, with networked responses and dispersed capabilities essential to deliver enduring protection.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: has the time finally come for Oshkosh’s hybrid electric JLTV?]()
Eurosatory 2026: has the time finally come for Oshkosh’s hybrid electric JLTV?
Oshkosh Defense’s hybrid electric Joint Light Tactical Vehicle offers the standard benefits of this type in scenarios such as silent watch and silent running as well as providing power for recharging systems. The company is arguing its 115kW power opens other roles too, particularly counter-drone.
-
![Lockheed Martin plans a major expansion in Canada following the HIMARS acquisition]()
Lockheed Martin plans a major expansion in Canada following the HIMARS acquisition
The HIMARS acquisition could deliver launchers within 18 months while driving new investments in Canadian manufacturing, technology and defence supply chains.
