The Australian government has announced a series of defense investments and international sales, including the sale of Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles to the Netherlands, a $1.2 billion investment in local defense manufacturing, and a separate $2.7 billion contract for a long-range missile system.
Netherlands Bushmaster Sale
The Australian government agreed to sell Bushmaster armored vehicles to the Netherlands following a formal request from the Dutch government. The sale will expand the Netherlands' existing fleet of Bushmasters. Specific numbers of vehicles to be sold and financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.
Domestic Investment and Production
The Australian government announced a $1.2 billion investment for the production of 268 new Bushmaster vehicles for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). According to one source, total spending on the Bushmaster program is approximately $750 million for 300 vehicles, with 268 earmarked for the ADF and the remainder allocated for sale to the Netherlands.
An additional $450 million will be spent on upgrades to army trucks and Hawkei tactical vehicles. The truck upgrades are being performed by Rheinmetall, and the Hawkei upgrades by Thales, with the work supporting approximately 150 jobs in Brisbane.
The Bushmaster order secures production at Thales' Bendigo facility until 2033, supporting around 300 local jobs.
Statements from Officials
Defence Minister Richard Marles stated that the Bushmaster and Hawkei are recognized as world-leading protected mobility vehicles supporting Australian and partner defense forces. Industry Minister Pat Conroy noted the investment sustains local jobs and strengthens national defense.
Bushmaster Vehicle Background
"The Bushmaster is a protected mobility vehicle designed to rapidly deploy up to 10 army personnel."
Its V-shaped hull is designed to deflect blasts from improvised explosive devices or landmines, and its interior is lined with spall liner material intended to prevent shrapnel injuries.
Analysts have provided commentary on the vehicle. Michael Shoebridge, director of Strategic Analysis Australia, noted the V-shaped hull and spall liner improve survivability. Malcolm Davis, senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, suggested future iterations could be equipped with counter-drone defense systems. Brendan Nicholson, author of "The Bushmaster: From concept to combat", noted the design was influenced by South African V-shaped hull technology observed by Australian troops in Namibia.
Prototypes of the vehicle were deployed to Timor-Leste in 1999. Bushmasters are currently used by Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Japan, the Netherlands, Indonesia, Fiji, Jamaica, and Ukraine. In 2023, Australia gifted 120 Bushmasters to Ukraine. The vehicles have been deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Timor-Leste.
Missile System Selection
The Australian government awarded a $2.7 billion contract to Lockheed Martin to deliver the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) system. This decision was announced one day after the Bushmaster contract was awarded.
The contract was the result of a competitive tender between a joint bid from Thales and Kongsberg (offering the StrikeMaster with Naval Strike Missiles) and Lockheed Martin's HIMARS. The StrikeMaster, unveiled in 2022, mounted two Naval Strike Missiles on a Bushmaster vehicle and had been tested as recently as March 2024.
Australia is already producing missiles compatible with HIMARS.
Statements on Missile System
Defence Minister Richard Marles declined to comment on the procurement process during the Bushmaster announcement. Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said the decision would increase demand for precision strike missiles and create manufacturing opportunities in Australia.
Future of StrikeMaster Program
Thales has not commented on the future of the StrikeMaster program.
Hawkei Safety Issues
The early rollout of the Hawkei vehicle faced safety concerns related to brake issues, leading to a halt in acceptance of the vehicles.