The Australian Army has announced the procurement of 40 additional Bushmaster Armored Personnel Vehicles, in a deal valued at over $100 million AUD (approximately $61 million USD). The announcement was made by Pat Conroy, Minister for Defence Industry, in the town of Bendigo, where Thales Australia manufactures the vehicles.
“The Bushmaster vehicles will contribute to the acceleration of a land-based long-range strike capability for the Army, demonstrating a commitment to modernizing the Australian Defence Force,” Conroy stated in a transcript. “We’re transforming the Australian Army from an army capable of striking 40 kilometers to one capable of striking 500 and then, eventually, 1,000 kilometers away, which is all about deterring aggression in our region.”
In addition to the vehicle acquisition, Conroy revealed plans for the establishment of a second long-range fires regiment. The new Bushmaster vehicles will be utilized to provide command and control (C2) capabilities for this regiment.
He emphasized that the newly contracted vehicles will facilitate “targeting and the coordination and communications that will allow that regiment to strike targets at range to deter aggression.”
The new Bushmasters will enhance C2 capabilities for systems such as Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile (NSM) or Lockheed Martin’s Precision Strike Missile Increment 2, which is anticipated to be awarded by the end of this year. Previously, last July, Thales had secured a $45 million contract for 15 Bushmasters to provide C2 for the first long-range fires regiment. The initial regiment is set to be equipped with HIMARS launchers using Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems and Precision Strike Missile (PrSM).
The announcement on January 8 carried significant political implications as Australia approaches a federal election expected in March. Bendigo is represented by Labor member Lisa Chesters, and early public polls suggest a close contest, with Labor likely maintaining power in coalition.
“These 40 new Bushmaster vehicles represent a contract in excess of $100 million for Thales Australia and secure the future of 250 direct jobs at this facility,” Conroy highlighted.