Australia to Acquire New Fleet of Bushmaster Vehicles in $1.2 Billion Investment

Australia has announced plans to significantly expand its fleet of Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles, as part of a major $1.2 billion defence investment aimed at strengthening both military capability and domestic industry.

Under the plan, 268 new Bushmaster vehicles will be built for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) over the next seven years, with production taking place in Bendigo, Victoria by Thales Australia.

The investment includes approximately $750 million dedicated to the new vehicles, alongside additional funding for upgrades to other Army platforms such as the Hawkei fleet and logistics trucks.

The Bushmaster is a 4×4 protected mobility vehicle designed to transport troops in high threat environments, offering protection against improvised explosive devices, small arms fire, and other battlefield hazards.

Australian officials say the new vehicles will play a key role in modernising the Army’s mobility capability, particularly as defence strategy shifts toward operating across Australia’s northern approaches and the wider Indo Pacific region.

The additional fleet will also support “littoral manoeuvre” and amphibious operations, reflecting a broader shift in Australian military planning toward regional mobility and rapid deployment.

Beyond military capability, the program is expected to deliver a significant boost to Australia’s defence industry.

Production of the new Bushmasters is projected to support around 300 jobs in Bendigo through to the early 2030s, providing long-term stability for one of the country’s key defence manufacturing hubs.

Government officials have framed the investment as both a national security initiative and an economic one, aimed at sustaining sovereign manufacturing capability while reducing reliance on overseas supply chains.

The announcement comes amid growing international demand for the Bushmaster, which has been exported to multiple countries and gained increased attention following its use in recent conflicts.

Australia has also confirmed that some Bushmaster vehicles will be supplied to international partners, including the Netherlands, with replacement vehicles to be produced as part of the new build program.

With more than 1,000 Bushmasters already delivered over two decades, the latest order represents one of the largest recent investments in Australia’s protected mobility fleet.

The new vehicles are expected to enter service progressively over the coming years, ensuring the Australian Army maintains a modern and survivable transport capability as its operational focus continues to evolve.