Thales has introduced the next-generation Bushmaster Mulga utility variant, a significant advancement in its renowned Bushmaster protected mobility vehicle family. Designed to address the rapidly changing demands of modern military operations, the new Bushmaster 5.6 combines enhanced connectivity, advanced sensing capabilities and increased offensive power while retaining the platform’s proven protection, mobility and reliability.
As armed forces face increasingly complex operational environments marked by the growing use of unmanned aerial systems, electronic warfare and networked operations, military vehicles are required to perform a wider range of missions. The Bushmaster 5.6 has been developed as a highly connected sensor and effector platform capable of integrating emerging technologies, supporting autonomous systems and enabling faster information sharing across the battlefield.
The latest variant also introduces new offensive capabilities, including the integration of Thales laser-guided rockets, transforming the Bushmaster from a predominantly defensive vehicle into a multi-role platform capable of responding effectively to evolving threats. The upgraded vehicle is designed to support missions such as counter-drone operations, electronic warfare, advanced communications and intelligence gathering while maintaining its combat-proven protected mobility.
Manufactured in Bendigo, Victoria, the Bushmaster continues to evolve through operational experience and close collaboration with defence customers. The new model incorporates improved front-door access, enhanced vehicle entry, intuitive digital displays and advanced vehicle monitoring systems that improve crew safety, usability, sustainment and maintenance in demanding operational environments.
The Bushmaster has earned the confidence of defence forces worldwide through successful deployments across diverse theatres of operation. Its reputation for durability, protection and operational effectiveness has established it as one of the world’s leading protected mobility vehicles.
“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. 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,” said Julien Assoun, Vice-President, Vehicles and Tactical Systems at Thales.
Thales is a global leader in advanced technologies serving the defence, aerospace, cyber and digital sectors. The company invests approximately €4.5 billion annually in research and development across critical technologies, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum and cloud computing. With more than 85,000 employees across 65 countries, Thales reported sales of €22.1 billion in 2025.
In Australia, Thales employs more than 4,500 people across 35 sites and supports over 2,000 additional jobs through its national supply chain. As a long-standing partner of the Australian Defence Force, the company continues to strengthen Australia’s sovereign defence and advanced manufacturing capabilities through innovation and local production.
