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Multi-million pound funding to boost defence technology sector and create jobs
The deal will secure about 300 jobs and fund new apprenticeships as Thales expands production of Bushmaster vehicles for the army.
- On Monday, April 27, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy unveiled a $1.2 billion investment to build 268 new Bushmaster vehicles and upgrade Hawkei systems at the Thales factory in Bendigo.
- The investment fulfills the 2026 National Defence Strategy's goal to create a more agile, mobile army as the government plans to boost defence spending to 3 per cent of gross domestic product by 2033.
- Conroy described the deal as "the single biggest order for Thales Bendigo since 1999," securing 300 direct manufacturing jobs for the next seven years while supporting thousands through supply chains.
- Designed with "incredible design engineering and technology," the Bushmaster has seen "not one life has been lost by personnel" deployed in them, prompting a Dutch government request for a separate fleet.
- To adapt to modern warfare, the next generation will integrate remote weapon stations to combat drone threats, including directed energy weapons and lasers, providing greater power and computing capabilities.
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14 Articles
Australia to Spend $1.2 Billion on New Military Vehicles
Australia has announced a further boost to defence spending, committing $1.2 billion (US$860 million) to new defence vehicles as part of an additional spending package unveiled earlier this month. The latest spend sees $750 million going to weapons manufacturer Thales Australia to commission 268 new Bushmasters—Australian-designed, 4×4 mine-resistant armoured vehicles tailored for high-level blast protection and troop transport. They will be pro…
Government pledges $750 million for Bushmaster vehicles to be built in Bendigo
The Australian Government has pledged $1.2 billion in defence spending, with $750 million going towards the production of 268 new Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles in Bendigo. Following the National Defence Strategy, Defence Minister Richard Marles says the production will bolster Australia's mobile and agile defence capabilities.
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