AUD$45m Bushmaster Contract a Win for Australian-made Defence Capability

• Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP today announced a AUD$45m contract between Defence and Thales Australia for the acquisition of an additional 15 Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles (PMVs).
• The Bushmaster PMV is manufactured in Bendigo, Victoria and directly supports 250 jobs in the local community and a further 300 across Thales’ Australia’s extensive supply chain.  
• Advanced vehicle manufacturing in Bendigo is a critical enabler to multiple Sovereign Defence Industrial Priorities, equipping the ADF to deter potential threats and keep Australia safe.

Thales Australia welcomes the Albanese Government’s commitment to invest AUD$45m to build an additional 15 Bushmaster PMVs at Thales’ Protected Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Bendigo.

Thales’ Bendigo site is one of Australia’s critical national assets, manufacturing Bushmasters that are combat-proven and currently in use in 9 countries, including Ukraine.

The additional 15 Bushmasters announced today will facilitate command and control of Army’s High Mobility Artillery Rocket System long-range fires regiment; accelerating the delivery of the first land-based long-range fires capability for the ADF.

Jeff Connolly, CEO, Thales Australia and New Zealand said:  

“Thales Australia commends the Australian Government for its commitment to supporting regional industry and jobs, and ensuring the ADF is equipped to deter potential threats and keep Australia safe.”

“This announcement is a vote of confidence in the workers at Thales’ Protected Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Bendigo, and in the Bushmasters they have made for more than 20 years.”

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP said:

“I am delighted to be back in Bendigo to announce a further $45 million investment in the region, with the production of an additional 15 Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles. This additional investment in Bendigo is another example of the Albanese Government’s commitment to a future made in Australia.”
 

About Thales in Australia

Thales in Australia is a trusted partner of the Australian Defence Force in the Land, Sea and Air environment. Thales employs over 4,300 people in Australia, across 35 sites and supports over 2,000 jobs along its Australian supply chain. Thales Australia has a history of patient investment to build advanced in-country capability across manufacturing, critical systems and services. Close collaborative relationships with local customers, Australian SME suppliers and research institutions combined with technology transfer from our global business enables Thales to tailor high-quality solutions for Australian and export markets.