Another 268 Australian Bushmaster vehicles will be manufactured in Victoria as part of a $1.2 billion investment package. This includes $750 million for the new Bushmaster order, which will be announced by the Defence Minister and Defence Industry Minister during their visit to the Thales factory in Bendigo. The funding will extend production until 2033 and support approximately 300 jobs in the region. Additionally, the Dutch government has ordered a fleet of Bushmasters, which have already been shipped to Europe. Alongside the Bushmaster production, $450 million will be allocated for upgrading the Army’s Hawkei vehicles and Medium/Heavy Truck Capability, further enhancing the local defence industry.
Why It Matters
This investment reflects the Australian government’s commitment to strengthening national defence capabilities and supporting local manufacturing. The Bushmaster vehicles have been instrumental in various international military operations, with Australia donating 120 units to Ukraine since the onset of the conflict there in 2022. The new order and upgrades announced also align with the broader National Defence Strategy, which aims to enhance military readiness and support regional economies through job creation in the defence sector. The continued production of Bushmasters and Hawkeis underscores Australia’s role in international defence partnerships and its contribution to global security efforts.
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