A French company is set to deliver hundreds of next-generation protected vehicles to the Australian armed forces. Thales Australia has welcomed an investment of AU$750 million from the Australian Government in sovereign defence capability.

Thales revealed that it will work hand in glove with the Australian Government to deliver an additional 268 next generation Bushmaster PMVs.

“Thales is honoured by the trust placed by the Australian government on our world-class multirole vehicle, Bushmaster,” said Hervé Dammann, Executive Vice-President, Land and Air Systems, Thales.

“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.”

This investment will enable Thales Australia to develop the next generation Bushmaster with the Australian Defence Force, strengthening the Australian Army’s capability to deal with battlefield threats.

The company claimed that the vehicle’s capability enhancements include improved protection and mobility, advanced digital systems, and increased adaptability to meet the evolving needs of defence operations.

The vehicle is integrated with stronger additional armour and offers increased capacity for carrying personnel and increased tow capacity.

The vehicle has ability to carry more powerful weapons systems, including roof mounted effectors. The company claims that the vehicle can be integrated a wide range of sensors and effectors to efficiently defeat threats.

It has fully modular crew cabin allowing for versatile configurations based on user needs. The vehicle is also designed for export with left-hand drive capability and next-generation communication interfaces.

The company claims that the latest announcement bolsters Australia’s industrial capacity, to design, build and sustain key defence assets, while ensuring a robust supply chain. Production of the next generation Bushmaster will start in 2027, according to a press release.

More than 1300 Bushmasters have been manufactured at Thales’ Bendigo facility, with the vehicle being exported to eight nations including the UK, New Zealand, the Netherlands and Japan.

This investment expands the production of the Bushmaster, supports jobs, boosts sovereign capacity and enhances Australian manufacturing capabilities, standing ready to efficiently meet international demand.

Thales’ delivery of hundreds of next-generation protected vehicles marks an important step forward in defence modernization. By combining cutting-edge protection, mobility, and digital integration, these vehicles are set to play a crucial role in enhancing military effectiveness and safeguarding personnel. The initiative not only strengthens Australia’s defence posture but also demonstrates the growing importance of advanced land systems in addressing the security challenges of the future.