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Thales Australia has announced the transformation of its Bushmaster protected mobility vehicle into a mobile strike and counter-drone platform with the integration of a “Cascade” loitering munition with a 100-kilometre strike capability.
Through the integration of Thales’ RapidStriker system and a partnership with STARK for its Cascade loitering munitions, the Bushmaster Dual Cab combines its renowned protection and mobility with new counter-UAS capabilities and precision-strike effects.
The Bushmaster has also been optimised to support intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance missions, with onboard systems designed to process and combine information in real time.
The new Bushmaster “Dual Cab” is designed to provide fast 360‑degree threat detection, automated fire control and delivery of precision effects to defeat air and ground threats.
With the ability to carry sensors, mission systems, supplies and personnel while maintaining the mobility and protection the Bushmaster is known for, the platform is evolving beyond protected mobility to become the centrepiece of a mobile protection and battlefield support system.
RapidStriker is a scalable mobile counter-UAS solution combining 360-degree surveillance, automated fire control and advanced threat neutralisation technologies, including 70mm laser-guided and unguided rockets systems. Designed to counter drones, helicopters and other aerial threats, the system offers rapid and accurate responses in demanding environments.
When integrated onto the Bushmaster Dual Cab, RapidStriker can detect, identify, track and neutralise targets within seconds before rapidly relocating to deal with the next threat.
“The Bushmaster has protected Australian and allied soldiers for more than 20 years. Today, we’re demonstrating how this proven platform continues to evolve to meet the threats of the next 20 years,” said Jeff Connolly, CEO, Thales Australia and New Zealand.
“The integration of RapidStriker into Bushmaster and our partnership with STARK provide a new capability that combines mobility, survivability and multi-domain strike together in a highly capable operational solution. It’s a powerful example of how Australian industry can shape, protect and dominate the modern battlespace.
“This innovation reflects Thales Australia’s commitment to advanced technologies to keep our troops and our allies safe and mission-ready.”
Demonstrated alongside the Bushmaster, STARK’s tube-launched loitering munition “Cascade” provides a complementary precision strike capability. The loitering munition boasts a range of up to 100 kilometres carrying a 4.5-kg payload, allowing small mobile units to strike strategic targets like command posts, logistics hubs, artillery positions and air defence systems deep behind enemy lines. Cascade can be fielded in swarms from a multi-cell launcher mounted onto the Bushmaster.
The demonstration coincides with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Thales Australia and STARK to advance the development, manufacture and deployment of loitering munitions in Australia. The collaboration supports the Australian Defence Force’s emerging requirements for precision loitering munitions while strengthening sovereign industrial capability in a rapidly evolving domain.
“Modern forces need to be able to add new capabilities to proven platforms quickly, rather than wait for entirely new systems. Cascade was designed for exactly this kind of modular integration. Combining it with Bushmaster creates a mobile precision-strike capability with up to 100 kilometres of range that we are able to field immediately,” said Johannes Schaback, chief technology officer of STARK.
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