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Thales has announced that it is fast-tracking the delivery of its Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles to the Netherlands Armed Forces.
As part of what Thales says is an “urgent operational request” by the Netherlands Armed Forces, the accelerated delivery marks not only the effectiveness and success of the combat-proven vehicles but also the cooperative strength between Australia and Europe.
“This order is testament to the Australian skills and expertise, not only in Bendigo but in the broader Australian pipeline that helps to manufacture this world-class vehicle,” said Andrew Downes, vice president of land at Thales Australia.
The expedited delivery will enable the Dutch forces to rapidly respond to the changing nature of their national threat environment, Thales added.
These needs will be met by the Australian Army and the defence industry, seeing localised manufacturing, production, and integration in Australia, boosting jobs for Australians.
Demonstrative of the commitments outlined in the EU–Australia Security and Defence Partnership (SDP), this interoperable industrial undertaking represents the continued work for cooperation among allied countries facing changing security landscapes.
“The Bushmaster is one of Australia’s most trusted defence exports, and this collaboration demonstrates how government and industry can work together to move quickly when our partners need capability,” Downes said.
“Working closely with the Commonwealth and the Australian Army, Thales is fast-tracking the delivery of combat-proven Bushmasters for Dutch forces.”
The Bushmaster is a protected mobility vehicle used across nine countries, including the United Kingdom, Ukraine, and Japan, and is known for its success in high-risk operations.
The Australian government recently announced a $750 million investment to see the production and delivery of 268 next-generation Bushmasters for the Australian Army.
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