Bushmaster Gets Weapon Upgrade

02 Desember 2016

The Australian-designed Bushmaster protected mobility vehicle can be considered as the original Mine-Resistant, Armor-Protected combat vehicle, and was used in Afghanistan and Iraq before US designs entered service. (photo : Aus Army)

Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles Are Set for A Weapons Upgrade

The weapon systems on the Army’s lifesaving Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles are set for an upgrade. 

The Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, said the upgrade will include a new, Australian-designed stabilisation system that improves accuracy when firing from a Bushmaster. 

It follows on from the already successfully completed upgrade to 45 Protected Weapon Systems (PWS). 

“This contract with Thales Australia is valued around $11.2 million and will see the upgrade of an additional 40 PWS,” Minister Pyne said. 

The PWS comprises an upgraded remote weapon station designed by Australian company Electro Optic Systems and a vehicle integration kit designed by Thales Australia. 

“The work will be undertaken by the experienced workforce at Thales Australia's support facility in Brisbane, supporting three jobs and the Electro Optic Systems facility in Queanbeyan, supporting 50 jobs," he said. 

“The PWS is a fully integrated remote weapon and battlefield surveillance capability that has been used by Australian soldiers on operations since 2008. 

“This contract is another example of Australian industry improving capability and the safety of our soldiers,” Minister Pyne said. 

(Aus DoD)