Netherlands Buys More Australian made Bushmasters

The Netherlands is set to expand its fleet of Australian made Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles, following a new agreement with Australia to transfer additional units.

The move builds on a long standing relationship between the Dutch military and the Bushmaster, a vehicle that has already seen extensive service with the Netherlands over the past two decades.

First introduced during operations in Afghanistan, the Bushmaster quickly established itself as a reliable and well protected platform, and it has remained in use ever since across multiple roles.

Developed and manufactured by Thales Australia in Bendigo, the Bushmaster is a 4×4 protected mobility vehicle designed to transport troops safely through high risk environments.

It can carry up to 10 personnel and is built to withstand improvised explosive devices, small arms fire, and other battlefield threats.

Over time, it has been adapted for a variety of missions, including troop transport, command roles, and specialist configurations.

In recent years, the vehicle’s reputation has only grown. Its deployment in Ukraine where Australia has supplied more than 100 Bushmasters has drawn international attention, with crews highlighting its survivability and mobility in active combat zones.

That performance has helped drive renewed interest in the platform, particularly among European operators.

For the Netherlands, the latest acquisition is less about introducing a new capability and more about reinforcing one that is already well understood. By expanding its existing Bushmaster fleet, the Dutch military can build on established training, logistics, and operational experience without the need to integrate an entirely new vehicle type.

The transfer also comes as Australia continues to invest heavily in its own Bushmaster fleet. Canberra has committed around AUD $1.2 billion to produce hundreds of new vehicles, ensuring that domestic capability is maintained even as some platforms are provided to international partners.

The production program is expected to support manufacturing jobs in Bendigo well into the next decade.

Beyond the vehicles themselves, the deal reflects a broader trend of closer defence cooperation between Australia and European nations.