Local economy bolstered by new Bushmaster commission

Thales Australia has welcomed the announcement of a $750 million commitment from the federal government that will reportedly result in 268 new next-generation Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles being built at its North Bendigo manufacturing site.
The funding is expected to back about 300 local jobs across the next seven years.
The new vehicles will be in addition to the Bushmasters currently being built in Bendigo to replace those sent to Ukraine and others being acquired under the Australian Defence Force’s acquisition program LAND 8113.
Thales Australia and New Zealand CEO Jeff Connolly said the landmark contract will ensure the continued evolution of one of the nation’s most trusted and successful military vehicles.
“The Bushmaster is more than a vehicle; it is a proven life-saving capability operating in the most challenging environments,” he said.
“This announcement supports regional jobs, advanced manufacturing, strengthens the national industrial base, and ensures critical defence expertise remains in Australia.”
Thales Australia vice-president (land) Andrew Downes said making the Bushmaster in Bendigo is a future made in Australia for the defence industry.
“This is a next-generation vehicle, ready for export and improved from lessons learned fighting in Ukraine,” he said.
“It’s also proof of what can happen when industry and government work together, not only in delivering a next-generation vehicle, but in making the investments to ensure our factory is ready for the 2030s for the manufacture of protected vehicles and autonomous systems.”
“Built in Bendigo, Bushmasters are an iconic Australian vehicle that delivers world-leading protection to the Australian Defence Force,” Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said.
“We’re building close to 300 new Bushmasters, securing around 300 local jobs and delivering long-term certainty to the industry, workers and region that depends on this critical capability.”
Over 1,400 Bushmasters have already been manufactured in Bendigo, some of which have been exported to the UK, New Zealand, the Netherlands and Japan.
Production of the upgraded vehicles will begin next year.