Thales Advances European Defence Readiness with Fast-Tracked Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles for Dutch Forces

Thales Bushmaster vehicles © Thales

(IN BRIEF) Thales will fast-track the delivery of Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles to the Netherlands Armed Forces under an urgent operational request, strengthening the Royal Netherlands Army’s protected mobility capability amid growing modern warfare threats. The vehicles will be supplied in the latest configuration with enhanced systems and features tailored to Dutch operational needs. Already in service with nine nations and deployed across the Middle East, Europe, Africa and the Pacific, the Bushmaster is recognised as a combat-proven vehicle designed to protect soldiers in high-risk environments. The programme reflects close cooperation between the Australian Defence Force, the Netherlands Ministry of Defence, the Australian Army and Thales, with production and integration taking place in Australia. The order also supports local Australian jobs, advances the Bushmaster as a priority defence export and reinforces Australia’s security cooperation with European partners under the EU-Australia Security and Defence Partnership.

(PRESS RELEASE) LA DÉFENSE, 5-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Thales will accelerate the delivery of Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles to the Netherlands Armed Forces under an urgent operational request, supporting the Royal Netherlands Army’s readiness in a rapidly changing security environment.

The expedited delivery will provide Dutch forces with a fleet of combat-proven protected vehicles designed to support military operations in high-risk and demanding conditions. The Bushmaster is already in service with nine nations and has been deployed in operational environments across the Middle East, Europe, Africa and the Pacific.

The accelerated programme reflects close cooperation between the Australian Defence Force, the Netherlands Ministry of Defence and Thales. The Australian Army will work with Thales to speed up production and delivery of the vehicles in response to the growing threats associated with modern warfare.

The Bushmaster vehicles supplied to the Netherlands will be delivered in the latest configuration, incorporating enhanced systems and features to meet the operational needs of the Royal Netherlands Army. The vehicle is recognised for its ability to protect personnel in hostile environments and has established a strong record as a protected mobility platform.

Andrew Downes, Vice-President, Land at Thales Australia, said the Bushmaster is one of Australia’s most trusted defence exports and that the collaboration shows how government and industry can respond quickly when international partners require critical capability. He said Thales is working closely with the Commonwealth and the Australian Army to fast-track the delivery of combat-proven Bushmasters for Dutch forces. Downes added that the order reflects Australian industrial skills and expertise, both in Bendigo and across the wider national supply chain supporting the manufacture of the vehicle.

The Australian Government’s Defence Strategic Sales Office has played an important role in supporting the export opportunity. The office works with Australian industry to promote key defence capabilities in international markets, with the Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle identified as one of Australia’s priority defence exports.

Production and integration work for the vehicles will take place in Australia, supporting local employment and reinforcing the country’s position as a reliable supplier of advanced protected mobility systems.

The order also highlights the strengthening defence cooperation between Australia and European Union member states under the EU-Australia Security and Defence Partnership. The partnership is designed to support closer coordination, improved interoperability and stronger cooperation among trusted security partners responding to contemporary defence challenges.

Thales said it looks forward to further strengthening its long-standing relationship with the Netherlands and supporting the delivery, integration and sustainment of the latest Bushmaster fleet for Dutch forces.

The announcement follows the Australian Government’s AUD$750 million investment to develop and deliver an additional 268 next-generation Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles for the Australian Army, further reinforcing the platform’s role in both domestic and international defence capability.

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.

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 – 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.

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SOURCE: Thales