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Thales Australia has announced successful integration of counter-unmanned aerial system technology into its Bushmaster protected mobility vehicle for the international market.
The subsidiary of French defence technology conglomerate Thales Group stated that the result has been achieved with Dedrone equipment from American defence company, Axon.
Successful testing has reportedly been completed near Thales Australia’s Bendigo facility in simulated battlefield conditions replicating those seen in the current European conflict. The equipment is reportedly effective in repelling drone attacks while ‘in motion’.
Thales is embarking on an extended enhancement of its Bushmaster platform including introduction of a digital dash, scalable ballistic armour, door assist, engine upgrade, hybrid electric drive, payload increases, and cold weather start kit for colder conditions. More than 1300 Bushmasters have been manufactured, seeing combat service in the Middle East and Ukraine.
“We are incredibly honoured to partner with Thales Australia in providing high-performance solutions for today’s military environments,” according to Dedrone by Axon chief executive Aaditya Devarakonda.
“By combining our mobile counter-UAS technology with their state-of-the-art protected mobility combat platforms, we provide war fighters with the ability to effectively manoeuvre on the battlefield, all while having increased situational awareness and mitigation capabilities against the asymmetric threat of small UAS.”
The partnership between Thales and Dedrone by Axon is expected to bring new levels of on-the-move (OTM) protection to the global defence market, with the integration able to be retro-fitted onto protected mobility vehicles.
The equipment is designed to detect, track and neutralise small, medium and large hostile drones, even while the vehicle is in motion.
“We've watched the changes in modern warfare in Ukraine, taken the lessons learned there, and built them into the Australian Bushmaster. It means we are ensuring the iconic vehicle is fit for purpose for both current and future conflicts – a modern vehicle with advanced capabilities,” according to Jeff Connolly, CEO, Thales Australia and New Zealand.
"The successful testing of Dedrone's counter-drone capabilities while in motion is a game-changer for the Bushmaster and those forces who use it. In dynamic and unpredictable combat environments, the ability to defend against drone threats offers a clear tactical advantage.
“We’re excited to partner together with Dedrone by Axon to bring this important innovation to the battlefield.”
Dedrone by Axon’s C-UAS solutions are implemented across 33 countries and is used by six of the G-7 nation governments; 926 sites, including 53 airports and 64 stadiums; 17 US federal entities and 30 non-US governments.
