ICONIC BUSHMASTER PROTECTED MOBILITY VEHICLE EVOLVES AFTER SUCCESSFUL TESTS OF DEDRONE COUNTER-DRONE CAPABILITY WITH ‘IN-MOTION’ DEFENCE
- A partnership between Thales Australia and Dedrone by Axon has seen the successful integration of Dedrone technology into the Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle (PMV) – adding a counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) capability to the evolving protected mobility vehicle.
- Successful testing has been completed near Thales Australia’s Bendigo facility in simulated battlefield conditions replicating those seen in the current European conflict, effectively repelling drone attacks while ‘in motion’.
- The proven C-UAS capability significantly enhances the Bushmaster’s versatility and is part of a suite of upgrades already completed, underway or planned for the evolving, combat-proven Bushmaster platform, including: digital dash, scalable ballistic armour, door assist, engine upgrade, hybrid electric drive, payload increases, and cold weather start kit for colder conditions.
Thales Australia’s iconic and combat-proven Bushmaster will become even safer and more capable following the successful integration of an advanced counter-drone capability, Dedrone by Axon, enhancing its ability to repel drone attacks while in motion.
Together, Thales and Dedrone by Axon will bring new levels of on-the-move (OTM) protection to the global defence market, with the integration able to be retro-fitted onto protected mobility vehicles. This cutting-edge technology significantly boosts the Bushmaster’s operational agility, providing the ability to detect, track and neutralise small, medium and large hostile drones, even while the vehicle is in motion.
Dedrone by Axon’s C-UAS solutions are implemented across 33 countries and is used by six of the G-7 nation governments; 926 sites, including 53 airports and 64 stadiums; 17 US federal entities and 30 non-US governments.
Thales Australia has manufactured more than 1300 Bushmaster PMVs – most utilised by the Australian Defence Force – for over 20 years. While it continues to faithfully serve the ADF, the Bendigo-made Bushmaster is also in service with the armed forces of eight allied nations including the UK, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Ukraine.
The vehicle earned the trust of Australian troops in Middle Eastern conflicts, preventing any passenger or driver deaths through Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks.
The Bushmaster is consistently proving itself in Ukraine, with Ukrainian armed forces reporting superior performance, including robust armour, effective thermal vision systems and weapon stations performing capably in combat.
Quotes attributable to Jeff Connolly, CEO, Thales Australia and New Zealand
“We've watched the changes in modern warfare in Ukraine, taken the lessons learned there, and built them into the Australian Bushmaster. It means we are ensuring the iconic vehicle is fit for purpose for both current and future conflicts – a modern vehicle with advanced capabilities.
"The successful testing of Dedrone's counter-drone capabilities while in motion is a game-changer for the Bushmaster and those forces who use it. In dynamic and unpredictable combat environments, the ability to defend against drone threats offers a clear tactical advantage.
“We’re excited to partner together with Dedrone by Axon to bring this important innovation to the battlefield.”
Quotes attributable to Aaditya Devarakonda, CEO, Dedrone by Axon
“We are incredibly honoured to partner with Thales Australia in providing high-performance solutions for today’s military environments.
“By combining our mobile counter-UAS technology with their state-of-the-art protected mobility combat platforms, we provide war fighters with the ability to effectively manoeuvre on the battlefield, all while having increased situational awareness and mitigation capabilities against the asymmetric threat of small UAS.”
About Thales Australia
Thales Australia is an Australian-run company like no other with enduring and unique national security, defence, tech, cyber and manufacturing capabilities that make Australia more secure and allow Thales to be the trusted partner of the nation – focused on supporting Australia’s role in the AUKUS partnership.
As a trusted partner of the Australian Defence Force in the Land, Sea and Air environment, Thales Australia employs over 4,300 people in Australia at 35 sites, and supports over 2,000 jobs along its Australian supply chain. The Bushmaster is the protected mobility platform of choice for nine countries, offering world-class protection and mobility for troops. The vehicle is credited with protecting and saving many Australian lives on operations and is currently protecting the lives of Ukrainian soldiers.
About Axon
Axon is the global technology leader in public safety, building the operating system of the future through integrated hardware devices and cloud software solutions that drive modern policing, defense and enterprise security. Axon's growing customer base spans international, federal, state and local law enforcement, fire, corrections, emergency medical services, and the justice sector, as well as commercial enterprises and consumers.
About Dedrone by Axon
Dedrone is the global leader in C-UAS technology, providing a comprehensive command and control capability that protects against the rising threat of unauthorized drones while enabling approved drones to operate. Hundreds of commercial, government, and military customers rely on Dedrone’s autonomous, multi-sensor and multi-mitigation system for continuous drone monitoring and defence.