On March 24, Thales Australia announced a significant upgrade to its Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle, integrating an advanced anti-drone system developed by Dedrone, a division of Axon. This new capability allows the vehicle to detect, track, and neutralize drone threats while in motion, marking a notable advancement in its operational effectiveness.
Australian Bushmaster gains drone-defying power on the move
Photo credit: Thales
The announcement came after successful testing near Thales’ facility in Bendigo, Victoria, where the system proved its ability to counter aerial threats in simulated battlefield conditions. This development responds to the growing prevalence of drones in modern warfare, aiming to enhance the safety and versatility of a vehicle already widely used by military forces.
The integration is a collaborative effort between Thales Australia, a key player in the country’s defense industry, and Dedrone by Axon, a U.S.-based leader in counter-drone technology, signaling a step forward in addressing evolving combat challenges.
The Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle, designed and manufactured by Thales Australia, is a four-wheel-drive armored vehicle built to transport infantry across hostile environments. Initially conceived in the 1990s to meet the Australian Army’s need for improved troop mobility, the vehicle entered full production following trials in 1998.
Its design prioritizes survivability, mobility, and payload capacity, making it a versatile platform for a range of military operations. The Bushmaster features a distinctive V-shaped monocoque hull, engineered to deflect blasts from mines and improvised explosive devices [IEDs] away from its occupants. This structural choice has proven effective in protecting soldiers, with the vehicle capable of withstanding significant explosive forces while maintaining operational integrity.
Weighing approximately 12.5 tons in its base configuration, it can reach a road speed of up to 62 miles per hour and has an operational range of about 500 miles, depending on conditions and load.
Inside, the Bushmaster accommodates up to 10 personnel, including a driver and commander, with eight additional seats for infantry. The cabin offers ergonomic seating with four-point harnesses and ample headroom, alongside storage for personal weapons and mission equipment.
Three roof hatches provide emergency exits and defensive positions, while air conditioning ensures crew comfort in extreme climates. The vehicle’s armor protects against small arms fire up to 7.62mm caliber and can be enhanced with scalable ballistic kits for greater threats. Over the years, Thales has developed multiple variants to suit different roles, including troop transport, command, ambulance, mortar carrier, and direct fire support.
Some models feature remote weapon stations, capable of mounting machine guns or missile systems, while others incorporate advanced communication suites for battlefield coordination. This adaptability has kept the Bushmaster relevant as military needs have shifted.
The newly integrated Dedrone system brings a layer of sophistication to the Bushmaster’s capabilities. Dedrone, acquired by Axon, a company known for public safety technologies like body cameras and Tasers, specializes in counter-unmanned aerial system [C-UAS] solutions.
Its technology combines artificial intelligence with passive radio frequency sensors to detect drones at significant distances—often miles away—without needing visual confirmation. Once identified, the system tracks the drone’s trajectory and, if deemed hostile, employs electronic disruption to neutralize it.
This “smart jamming” targets the drone’s communication link, forcing it to land or return to its operator without affecting friendly systems. The ability to perform these functions while the vehicle moves set it apart from static C-UAS platforms, offering a dynamic defense against aerial threats that have become increasingly common in conflicts worldwide.
This enhancement comes at a time when drones are reshaping warfare, as seen in places like Ukraine, where small, inexpensive unmanned systems have been used for reconnaissance and attacks. The Bushmaster’s ability to counter such threats while on the move could prove critical in fluid combat zones.
According to Jeff Connolly, CEO of Thales Australia and New Zealand, the integration reflects lessons from recent conflicts. “We’ve observed the evolving nature of warfare and adapted the Bushmaster to meet those challenges,” he said in a statement following the announcement. “This capability gives forces a tactical edge in unpredictable environments.”
Similarly, Aaditya Devarakonda, CEO of Dedrone by Axon, emphasized the partnership’s potential. “Combining our technology with Thales’ combat-proven platform enhances situational awareness and protection against drones,” he noted, highlighting the system’s role in modernizing battlefield mobility.
The Bushmaster’s operational history underscores its reliability. Since its introduction, over 1,300 units have been produced, with the vehicle serving nine countries across multiple continents. Australia, its primary user, has deployed it in East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan, where it earned praise for protecting troops from roadside bombs and ambushes.
In Iraq, starting in 2005 with the Al Muthanna Task Group, the Bushmaster’s V-hull design saved lives during IED attacks, a capability later demonstrated in Afghanistan with the Special Operations Task Group. Ukrainian forces, receiving 120 Bushmasters from Australia since the onset of Russia’s invasion, have lauded its durability under intense combat conditions.
Other nations, including the United Kingdom, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Japan, Indonesia, Fiji, Jamaica, and most recently Ukraine, have adopted the vehicle, often tailoring it to specific needs. The Netherlands, for instance, equipped some units with remote weapon stations for operations in Afghanistan, while Indonesia’s variant, the Sanca, was developed with Thales for peacekeeping missions.
Combat experience has shaped the Bushmaster’s evolution. In Afghanistan, a notable incident involved an Australian unit surviving a powerful IED blast that damaged their vehicle but left the crew with only minor injuries—a testament to its protective design.
Ukrainian soldiers have similarly credited the Bushmaster with providing mobility and safety amid artillery and drone-heavy fighting. These real-world applications have driven upgrades like the Dedrone integration, as well as earlier enhancements such as digital dashboards, hybrid electric drives, and cold-weather kits. Thales has also explored future configurations, including a 6×6 variant and a missile-equipped “Strikemaster” concept, though these remain in development.
The partnership between Thales and Dedrone by Axon builds on their respective strengths. Thales, employing over 4,300 people in Australia, has a long-standing relationship with the Australian Defence Force, producing the Bushmaster at its Bendigo facility since the early 2000s.
Dedrone, meanwhile, brings a global footprint, with its C-UAS technology deployed in 33 countries, including six G7 nations, and used at 926 sites ranging from airports to military bases. The collaboration allows the Bushmaster to tap into this expertise, offering a retrofit option for existing fleets—a practical consideration for militaries seeking cost-effective upgrades. Testing near Bendigo simulated conditions seen in Europe’s ongoing conflicts, ensuring the system’s relevance to current threats.
For the United States, this development may hold broader implications. While the U.S. has not adopted the Bushmaster, its military has shown interest in similar protected mobility vehicles, and American firms like Oshkosh have previously partnered with Thales on related projects.
The rise of drone warfare, evident in conflicts from the Middle East to Eastern Europe, has prompted the Pentagon to prioritize C-UAS solutions, with systems like Dedrone already in use by federal agencies. The Bushmaster’s latest upgrade could influence how allies approach joint operations or technology sharing, particularly as NATO members like the UK and Netherlands refine their own capabilities.
Looking ahead, the Bushmaster’s trajectory suggests continued adaptation. Thales plans to expand its suite of upgrades, potentially incorporating more advanced sensors or hybrid propulsion systems to meet future demands. The Australian government, which recently ordered over 40 additional Bushmasters for its army, views the vehicle as a cornerstone of its defense strategy, supporting hundreds of jobs in Victoria and beyond.
For now, the Dedrone integration marks a practical response to an immediate challenge, blending proven hardware with cutting-edge technology to keep pace with the shifting nature of war. As militaries worldwide grapple with aerial threats, this Australian innovation offers a glimpse into the next phase of armored mobility.
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