New $100 Million Contract for Bushmaster Vehicles
Media Release
The federal government has awarded a $100 million contract to Bendigo-based defence manufacturer Thales Australia to build 40 more Bushmaster protected vehicles for the Australian Army. This brings the total number of Bushmasters produced at the Bendigo facility to 130 over the past two years.
The newly commissioned vehicles will be deployed to the army’s Second Long-Range Fires Regiment, based at the Edinburgh Defence Precinct in South Australia. They will play a key role in supporting the regiment’s multi-mission phased array radar battery, providing vital command and control capabilities.
Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Minister Pat Conroy emphasised the importance of these vehicles in addressing regional security challenges. “We need to deter anyone who has any thought of threatening Australia. The best way of doing that is to let them know we have the weapons and the range to strike back,” he said.
Conroy praised the Bushmaster as the best armoured vehicle of its kind, noting its life-saving performance in conflict zones such as the Middle East and, more recently, in Ukraine. Australia has donated over 100 Bushmasters to Ukraine, where they have gained international recognition for their effectiveness in protecting troops.
The government is currently evaluating options to equip army vehicles, including the Bushmaster, with missile systems. This decision is expected by the end of the year as part of a broader initiative to enhance the army’s long-range strike capabilities. Conroy highlighted the transformation underway in the Australian Army, saying, “We’re expanding the Australian Army and equipping it with long-range strike capability. We’re rapidly building up our missile stockpiles and expanding our Australian Army.”
The new contract also provides a significant boost to the Bendigo manufacturing facility, which experienced job cuts in 2022 due to a decline in government contracts. The deal will ensure ongoing work at the plant until the end of 2026, supporting around 250 local jobs.
The Bushmaster’s reputation as a reliable and versatile protected mobility vehicle continues to grow, positioning it as a key asset in Australia’s defence strategy.
