Thales unveils next-generation Bushmaster 5.6 variant

Thales Australia has unveiled the next-generation Bushmaster at the Eurosatory tradeshow in France. The unveiling showcased a Bushmaster named 5.6 or Mulga utility variant capable of integrating a range of different sensors, effectors and mission systems to meet contemporary warfighting needs, said Thales Australia.

The new Bushmaster 5.6 variant evolves the combat-proven Bushmaster platform into an adaptable battlefield vehicle with enhanced capability, connectivity and survivability ready for modern and future battlefields. The most obvious difference is in the windscreen which has gone from a flat, one-piece glass screen to a Hawkei-esque twin-screen set-up.

Earlier this year the Australian Department of Defence announced a contract for 268 new-generation Bushmasters, worth $750 million, to be built at the Bushmaster plant in Bendigo. More than 1,300 Bushmaster have been built there to date.

“The Bushmaster has built a global reputation for protection, mobility and reliability – this next-generation vehicle demonstrates how the platform continues to evolve in response to changing threats, emerging technologies and customer needs,” said Julian Assoun, Thales vice-president vehicles and tactical systems. “Already a trusted defender, the Bushmaster 5.6 has been designed to provide greater flexibility for modern missions, particularly in areas like counter drone operations, sensing, communications and electronic warfare.”

As battlefields become more connected and threats such as drones become ubiquitous, military vehicles need to be capable of meeting multiple mission needs, Thales Australia explains. This includes detecting threats, sharing information, supporting autonomous systems and integrating new technologies quickly.

The Bushmaster 5.6 has been developed to fulfil this role, says Thales Australia, rapidly evolving into a highly connected sensor and effector platform ready for the demands of modern and future warfare, by adding powerful offensive capabilities to its traditional defensive role, such as Thales laser-guided rockets, for example.

The Bushmaster continues to evolve, incorporating new front-door access, improved vehicle entry, digital displays and advanced vehicle monitoring systems to improve usability, sustainment and support in the field.