78 new Bushmasters ordered to replace Ukraine donations

The Australian Government has signed a $160 million contract with Thales Australia to deliver an additional 78 Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles for the Australian Defence Force.

FILE PHOTO: A 3 Brigade Bushmaster ambulance supporting a 1RAR exercise at High Range (June 2017). Photo by Brian Hartigan.

Bushmasters will continue to be manufactured in Bendigo, Victoria, with the first delivery under this order expected in 2024.

The Bushmaster is world-renowned for innovative design features which protect its crew and passengers from landmines and other explosive devices, and small arms fire.

The new Bushmasters for the ADF will restore Australia’s capability, after Australia gifted Bushmasters to the Government of Ukraine, in response to Russia’s invasion.

Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said he was delighted to be in Bendigo to announce this $160 million investment in regional Australia, securing more than 200 local defence-industry jobs for the city.

“The iconic Bushmaster vehicle is supporting defence industry jobs in Australia, as well as saving lives in military operations around the world,” Mr Conroy said.

“The workforce at Thales Australia should be proud of the important contribution they make to providing a world-class capability for our soldiers and to strengthening Australia’s national security.”

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