Prime Contractor: Thales Australia.
In-Service Date: July 2007.
DMO People: 21.
DMO Locations: Melbourne, Bendigo, Brisbane.

The Australian Army’s mobility is being enhanced by the acquisition of 723 ‘Bushmaster’ protected mobility vehicles through project LAND 116 (Ph 3) – Bushranger.

The protected mobility vehicle fleet will consist of seven variants: troop; command; assault pioneer; mortar; direct fire weapon; air defence and ambulance. These vehicles will provide protected land mobility to Army combat units and RAAF Airfield Defence Guards.

All 300 vehicles under the initial acquisition contract have been delivered on schedule. Delivery of the 143 Enhanced Land Force vehicles approved by the Government in December 2006 has commenced with all vehicles scheduled to be delivered by April 2009.

In August 2007 the Government approved the purchase of an additional 280 (subject to negotiation) Bushmaster vehicles under Project Overlander.  Production of these vehicles is to commence after the Enhanced Land Force Vehicles and delivery is anticipated to be completed by June 2012.

The Bushmaster combines good performance, safety and comfort in a rugged vehicle, which operates over the most demanding terrain.