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Bushmaster PMV demonstrates Dedrone counter-drone capability on the move
Sydney based Thales Australia has integrated Dedrone by Axon into its Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle (PMV), adding a Counter-Uncrewed Aerial System (C-UAS) capability to the evolving Bushmaster design.
Successful testing was completed near Thales Australia’s Bendigo facility, where the Bushmaster is built, in simulated battlefield conditions replicating those seen in the current European conflict, effectively repelling drone attacks while ‘in motion’, the company says.
This proven C-UAS capability significantly enhances the Bushmaster’s versatility, Thales Australia adds, and is part of a suite of upgrades already completed, underway or planned for the evolving, combat-proven Bushmaster platform. These include: a digital dashboard, scalable ballistic armour, door assist, engine upgrade, hybrid electric drive, payload increases, and cold weather start kit for colder conditions.
“We’ve watched the changes in modern warfare in Ukraine, taken the lessons learned there, and built them into the Australian Bushmaster,” said Jeff Connolly, CEO of Thales Australia and New Zealand. “The successful testing of Dedrone’s counter-drone capabilities while in motion is a game-changer for the Bushmaster and those forces who use it. In dynamic and unpredictable combat environments, the ability to defend against drone threats offers a clear tactical advantage.
Dedrone by Axon’s C-UAS solutions are implemented across 33 countries and is used by six of the G-7 nation governments. It protects 926 sites, including 53 airports and 64 stadiums; 17 US federal entities and 30 non-US governments.
“By combining our mobile counter-UAS technology with their state-of-the-art protected mobility combat platforms, we provide war fighters with the ability to effectively manoeuvre on the battlefield,” said Aaditya Devorakonda, CEO of Dedrone by Axon. The integration with Bushmaster increases, “situational awareness and mitigation capabilities against the asymmetric threat of small UAS,” he added.
Thales Australia has manufactured more than 1300 Bushmaster PMVs – most utilised by the ADF – for over 20 years. The Bushmaster is also in service with the armed forces of eight allied nations including the UK, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Ukraine.
The vehicle earned the trust of Australian troops in Middle Eastern conflicts, preventing any passenger or driver deaths through Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks.
The Bushmaster is consistently proving itself in Ukraine, says Thales Australia, with Ukrainian armed forces reporting superior performance, including robust armour, effective thermal vision systems and weapon stations performing capably in combat.
The announcement of the successful demonstration with Dedrone by Axon came as Thales Australia’s French parent company was named as one of the world’s top 100 most innovative companies, according to the Clarivate Top 100 Global Innovators™ Survey.
This year, 22 European companies and institutions, including seven in France, feature in this globally recognised innovation ranking. Clarivate assesses not only the quantity but also the quality of patents filed. Thales is the French company with the longest consecutive presence in its Top 100.
A total of 3,000 researchers and 30,000 engineers are involved in Research & Development at Thales, with €4.2 billion invested annually in R&D, including over €1 billion in self-funded research. By 2028, Thales plans to invest €5 billion annually in its R&D activities.
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