Army to get dozens of new Bushmasters under $100m build contract

Multinational weapons maker Thales will build dozens of internationally coveted Bushmasters in Bendigo under a government contract worth more than $100m.

The Bushmaster is an Australian armoured troop carrier that can transport a total of 10 personnel.

It is a top defence export for Australia, earning spots in militaries across the world, including Ukraine.

But this new order will deliver more than 40 Bushmasters to the Australian Army as the Albanese government moves to bolster the country’s land, sea and air defensive and offensive capabilities.

“The Bushmaster vehicles will contribute to the acceleration of a land-based long-range strike capability for the Army, demonstrating a commitment to modernising the Australian Defence Force,” Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said.

“This contract underscores the Albanese government’s commitment to providing the Australian Defence Force with the capabilities and equipment it needs to keep Australians safe.

“This additional investment will support hundreds of jobs, underscoring the Albanese government’s commitment not only to the people of the Bendigo region but to building Australia’s future.”

The contract will support at least 250 local jobs in Bendigo, where the Bushmaster has been produced for more than two decades.

Around 130 Bushmasters have been built in Bendigo through contracts worth some $300m since the Albanese government came to power in 2022.