Last Updated on April 27, 2026 by Allied Dispatch UK | Published: April 27, 2026
The Australian Government has announced a major AU$750 million investment to acquire 268 additional “next-generation” Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles (PMVs), ensuring the long-term future of a platform that has become a staple for Allied forces globally, including the UK.
Built by Thales Australia at their Bendigo facility in Victoria, the new contract will transition the proven troop carrier into a more lethal and digitally integrated asset. Production for this latest batch is slated to begin in 2027, supporting over 290 regional manufacturing jobs.
A Proven Allied Workhorse
While the Bushmaster is an Australian icon, its DNA is deeply shared with its allies. To date, more than 1,300 vehicles have been manufactured in Bendigo and exported to eight nations.
Significantly for our readers, the UK remains a key operator of the platform. The British Army famously utilised the Bushmaster in Iraq and Afghanistan, where its V-shaped hull—designed to deflect blast energy from landmines and IEDs- set a new standard for crew survivability.
In recent years, the vehicle’s reputation has been further cemented on the battlefields of Ukraine. Australia has gifted over 120 Bushmasters to Kyiv, where Ukrainian commanders have praised the vehicle for its ability to protect troops during high-intensity mobility operations.
What’s New for the Next Generation?
The AU$750m investment isn’t just about more hulls; it’s about a significant capability leap. The “next-generation” Bushmaster will feature:
- Enhanced Lethality: Increased capacity to carry heavier weapon systems, including roof-mounted remote weapon stations.
- Modular Design: A fully modular crew cabin allowing for rapid reconfiguration between troop transport, command and control, and medical evacuation.
- Digital Integration: Advanced sensors and next-gen communication interfaces to improve battlefield situational awareness.
- Heavier Armour: Improved protection packages to counter evolving anti-armour threats and loitering munitions.
Strengthening the Sovereign Supply Chain
Hervé Dammann, Executive Vice-President of Land and Air Systems at Thales, noted that the contract demonstrates the “trust placed by the Australian government” in the platform.
For the UK and other partners, the continued production of the Bushmaster ensures that a critical sovereign supply chain remains warm. As the British Army continues to review its own protected mobility requirements, the evolution of the Bushmaster—a vehicle already integrated into UK logistics—remains a development of high interest.
The investment ensures that the Bendigo facility stands ready to meet “international demand,” a clear signal that Thales is looking toward further export opportunities as nations seek combat-proven, blast-protected mobility in an increasingly volatile global landscape.