The Australian Department of Defence (DoD) has announced a A$45 million contract to Thales Australia for 15 additional 4×4 Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles (PMVs) for the Australian Army.
According to the DoD, the newly ordered vehicles will be manufactured at Thales Australia’s Bendigo facility and will be specifically configured to support command and control of the Australian Army’s High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) long-range fires regiment
“Protected vehicles such as the Bushmaster are part of the Sovereign Defence Industrial Priorities in the Albanese Government’s Defence Industry Development Strategy, and this announcement shows we are supporting the Australian defence industry to deliver our priorities,” said Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy.
The army is also anticipating the first of two batch of 20 HIMARS systems, worth around US$385 million, ordered under the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) scheme from 2025. Australia also ordered a second batch of 22 HIMARS systems at a cost of US$975 million through the same scheme. Deliveries of both HIMARS batches are expected to be completed by 2027.
The Bushmaster PMV is currently in service in nine countries and is recognised for its high level of protection and mobility for troops. It has also seen service in Ukraine, serving as C2, fire support, and medical evacuation vehicles as part of Ukraine’s defence against the Russian invasion.
Australia earlier sold 43 Bushmaster PMVs to New Zealand under a package worth around US$62 million. The new vehicles will be used by the New Zealand Army to replace their ageing Pinzgauer Light Operational Vehicles.
by Jr Ng
