Australia Orders 40 New Bushmaster Vehicles

Australia has secured a $100 million contract to procure 40 additional Thales Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles (PMVs) for the Australian Defence Force, enhancing its long-range strike capabilities. The vehicles will be manufactured in Bendigo, Victoria, ensuring job security for around 250 local workers and supporting the supply chain. Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy emphasized the importance of this investment in bolstering national security amid increasing regional tensions. The Bushmaster vehicles, which have been credited with saving lives in various operations, will be stationed at the Edinburgh Defence Precinct in South Australia. This contract continues the Albanese government's commitment to modernizing the ADF, with over $300 million allocated for Bushmaster manufacturing since 2022. The vehicles also play a role in supporting military operations in Ukraine against Russian forces.