Australian Government invests in Thales to expand Bushmaster production and strengthen sovereign defence manufacturing capabilities

Thales Australia’s Bushmaster ©Thales

(IN BRIEF) Thales has been awarded a AU$750 million contract by the Australian Government to deliver 268 next-generation Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles, which will be manufactured in Bendigo, Victoria. The programme supports over 290 jobs and strengthens Australia’s sovereign defence manufacturing capabilities. The upgraded vehicles will feature improved protection, mobility, digital systems, and adaptability, allowing them to meet evolving battlefield requirements. Production is set to begin in 2027, and the investment reinforces both domestic industrial capacity and export potential. With over 1,300 Bushmasters already produced and exported to multiple countries, the programme highlights the platform’s global reputation and continued relevance in modern military operations.

(PRESS RELEASE) LA DÉFENSE, 27-Apr-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Thales Group has secured a significant commitment from the Australian Government to supply 268 additional next-generation Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles (PMVs) to the Australian armed forces. The AU$750 million investment will see the vehicles manufactured at Thales Australia’s facility in Bendigo, Victoria, reinforcing the country’s sovereign defence manufacturing capabilities.

The new funding will enable the continued development of the Bushmaster platform into a more advanced and versatile vehicle. The upgraded version is designed to enhance operational effectiveness by combining troop transport capabilities with improved sensing, strike potential, and defensive performance against modern battlefield threats.

This latest order strengthens ongoing production of the Bushmaster while supporting local industry and employment. More than 290 jobs are expected to be sustained through the programme, ensuring long-term stability for the workforce at the Bendigo site and contributing to regional economic development.

Working closely with the Australian Government and the Australian Defence Force, Thales Australia will focus on delivering a next-generation vehicle tailored to evolving operational requirements. Planned upgrades include enhanced mobility and protection, the integration of advanced digital systems, and increased adaptability for a wide range of mission profiles.

The improved Bushmaster will feature expanded troop and towing capacity, reinforced armour, and the ability to support more advanced weapon systems, including roof-mounted configurations. It will also offer the capability to integrate various sensors and effectors, enabling forces to respond more effectively to diverse threats. A modular crew cabin design will allow for flexible configurations based on mission needs, while additional features such as left-hand drive capability and next-generation communications interfaces will support export potential.

The investment also reinforces Australia’s ability to design, manufacture, and maintain critical defence assets domestically, strengthening supply chain resilience and industrial capacity. Production of the upgraded Bushmaster vehicles is scheduled to begin in 2027.

To date, more than 1,300 Bushmaster vehicles have been produced at the Bendigo facility, with exports to several countries including the United Kingdom, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Japan. The continued international demand highlights the platform’s proven performance and reliability in a range of operational environments.

Hervé Dammann, Executive Vice-President for Land and Air Systems at Thales, highlighted the importance of the contract, noting that it reflects strong collaboration between government and industry in delivering advanced defence capabilities. He emphasized that the Bushmaster remains a trusted and combat-proven platform, and the new agreement further demonstrates confidence in its role within modern defence operations.

About Thales in Australia

Thales in 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.

As a trusted partner of the Australian Defence Force in the Land, Sea and Air environment, Thales Australia employs over 4,500 people in Australia at 35 sites, and supports over 2,000 jobs along its Australian supply chain.

About Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services helps address several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.

The Group allocates €4.5 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Quantum and Cloud technologies. Thales has more than 85,000 employees in 65 countries. In 2025, the Group generated sales of €22.1 billion.

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SOURCE: Thales