Australian Bushmaster acquires enhanced mobility to counter drone threats

Thales Australia revealed a major enhancement to its Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle by incorporating a state-of-the-art anti-drone system developed by Dedrone, a subsidiary of Axon. This innovative feature enables the vehicle to identify, monitor, and neutralize drone threats while on the move, representing a significant improvement in its operational capabilities.

The announcement followed successful trials conducted near Thales’ facility in Bendigo, Victoria, where the system demonstrated its effectiveness against aerial threats in simulated combat scenarios. This advancement addresses the increasing use of drones in contemporary warfare, with the goal of bolstering the safety and adaptability of a vehicle that is already extensively utilized by military forces.

This integration is the result of a partnership between Thales Australia, a prominent entity in the nation’s defense sector, and Dedrone by Axon, a U.S.-based pioneer in counter-drone technology, highlighting progress in tackling emerging combat challenges.

The Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle, designed and produced by Thales Australia, is a four-wheel-drive armored vehicle intended for transporting infantry in hostile environments. Originally developed in the 1990s to fulfill the Australian Army’s requirements for enhanced troop mobility, the vehicle commenced full production after successful trials in 1998.

Its design emphasizes survivability, mobility, and payload capacity, making it a flexible platform for various military operations. The Bushmaster is characterized by its unique V-shaped monocoque hull, which is engineered to redirect blasts from mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) away from its occupants. This design choice has effectively safeguarded soldiers, allowing the vehicle to endure substantial explosive forces while preserving its operational functionality.

Weighing around 12.5 tons in its standard configuration, this vehicle can achieve a maximum road speed of 62 miles per hour and has an operational range of approximately 500 miles, contingent on various conditions and load factors.

The interior of the Bushmaster is designed to accommodate up to 10 personnel, which includes a driver and a commander, along with eight additional seats for infantry members. The cabin features ergonomic seating equipped with four-point harnesses and generous headroom, as well as storage space for personal weapons and mission-related equipment.

Three roof hatches serve as emergency exits and defensive positions, while an air conditioning system ensures crew comfort in extreme weather conditions. The vehicle’s armor is designed to withstand small arms fire up to 7.62mm caliber and can be upgraded with scalable ballistic kits to counter more significant threats. Over the years, Thales has created various models tailored for different functions, such as troop transport, command, ambulance, mortar carrier, and direct fire support.

Certain models are equipped with remote weapon stations that can mount machine guns or missile systems, while others feature advanced communication systems for effective battlefield coordination. This versatility has allowed the Bushmaster to remain relevant as military requirements have evolved.

The recently integrated Dedrone system enhances the Bushmaster’s capabilities. Acquired by Axon, a company recognized for its public safety technologies like body cameras and Tasers, Dedrone specializes in counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) solutions.

The technology integrates artificial intelligence with passive radio frequency sensors to detect drones from considerable distances—often several miles—without requiring visual confirmation. Once a drone is identified, the system monitors its flight path and, if it is classified as a threat, utilizes electronic disruption to neutralize it.

This “smart jamming” specifically targets the drone’s communication link, compelling it to either land or return to its operator, all while ensuring that friendly systems remain unaffected. Its capability to execute these functions while in motion distinguishes it from stationary Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS), providing a proactive defense against increasingly prevalent aerial threats in global conflicts.

This advancement arrives at a pivotal moment as drones are transforming warfare, particularly in regions like Ukraine, where low-cost unmanned systems are employed for reconnaissance and offensive operations. The Bushmaster’s ability to counter such threats while on the move could be vital in dynamic combat environments.

Jeff Connolly, CEO of Thales Australia and New Zealand, stated that this integration reflects insights gained from recent conflicts. “We’ve recognized the changing landscape of warfare and have adapted the Bushmaster to address these challenges,” he remarked in a statement following the announcement. “This capability provides forces with a tactical advantage in unpredictable settings.”

Aaditya Devarakonda, CEO of Dedrone by Axon, also highlighted the partnership’s significance. “By merging our technology with Thales’ battle-tested platform, we enhance situational awareness and defense against drones,” he pointed out, emphasizing the system’s contribution to modernizing battlefield mobility.

The Bushmaster’s operational track record demonstrates its dependability. Since its launch, over 1,300 units have been manufactured, with the vehicle being utilized by nine countries across various continents. Australia, its primary operator, has deployed it in East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan, where it has received accolades for safeguarding troops from roadside explosives and ambushes.

In Iraq, beginning in 2005 with the Al Muthanna Task Group, the V-hull design of the Bushmaster proved effective in saving lives during IED attacks, a capability that was later validated in Afghanistan with the Special Operations Task Group. Since the start of Russia’s invasion, Ukrainian forces have received 120 Bushmasters from Australia and have praised the vehicle’s resilience in challenging combat situations.

Several countries, including the United Kingdom, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Japan, Indonesia, Fiji, Jamaica, and most recently Ukraine, have adopted the Bushmaster, often customizing it to meet their specific requirements. For example, the Netherlands outfitted some units with remote weapon stations for their operations in Afghanistan, while Indonesia collaborated with Thales to develop the Sanca variant for peacekeeping efforts.

The Bushmaster’s design has evolved based on combat experiences. A significant event in Afghanistan involved an Australian unit that survived a severe IED explosion, which damaged their vehicle but resulted in only minor injuries to the crew, highlighting the vehicle’s protective features.

Ukrainian troops have similarly acknowledged the Bushmaster for its ability to provide both mobility and safety in the midst of intense artillery and drone warfare. These practical applications have led to various upgrades, including the integration of Dedrone technology, as well as earlier improvements like digital dashboards, hybrid electric drives, and cold-weather kits. Thales is also investigating future configurations, such as a 6×6 version and a missile-equipped “Strikemaster” concept, although these are still under development.

The collaboration between Thales and Dedrone, facilitated by Axon, leverages their unique strengths. Thales, with a workforce of over 4,300 in Australia, has maintained a long-term partnership with the Australian Defence Force, manufacturing the Bushmaster at its Bendigo facility since the early 2000s.

On the other hand, Dedrone offers a global presence, with its Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) technology operational in 33 countries, including six G7 nations, and utilized at 926 locations, from airports to military installations. This partnership enables the Bushmaster to benefit from Dedrone’s expertise, providing a retrofit solution for current fleets—an appealing option for military forces looking for budget-friendly enhancements. Testing conducted near Bendigo replicated scenarios similar to those in ongoing European conflicts, confirming the system’s applicability to contemporary threats.

For the United States, this advancement could have wider ramifications. Although the U.S. has yet to adopt the Bushmaster, its military has expressed interest in comparable protected mobility vehicles, and American companies like Oshkosh have previously collaborated with Thales on similar initiatives.

The increasing prevalence of drone warfare, as seen in conflicts across the Middle East and Eastern Europe, has led the Pentagon to prioritize C-UAS solutions, with systems like Dedrone already deployed by federal agencies. The latest upgrade of the Bushmaster may shape how allies engage in joint operations or share technology, especially as NATO members such as the UK and Netherlands enhance their own capabilities.

Looking forward, the future of the Bushmaster indicates ongoing evolution. Thales intends to broaden its range of upgrades, potentially integrating more sophisticated sensors or hybrid propulsion systems to address upcoming requirements. The Australian government, which has recently ordered over 40 additional Bushmasters for its army, regards the vehicle as a fundamental element of its defense strategy, supporting numerous jobs in Victoria and beyond.

Currently, the integration of Dedrone represents a pragmatic solution to a pressing issue, combining established hardware with advanced technology to adapt to the evolving landscape of warfare. As armed forces around the globe contend with aerial dangers, this Australian advancement provides insight into the future of armored mobility.