Accelerate Defense Modernization through Strategic Sourcing
Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
Thales Australia has introduced its next-generation Bushmaster 5.6 Mulga utility variant at the Eurosatory tradeshow in Paris, June 15-19, 2026.
The new vehicle was revealed on the Team Defence Australia stand by Major General Jason Blain, Head of Land Systems, Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group for the Australian Defence Forces, alongside Julien Assoun, Vice-President of Vehicles and Tactical Systems for Thales. Engineered specifically to meet contemporary warfighting needs and target global customers, the variant introduces a new left-hand drive configuration.
As modern battlefields become increasingly connected and threats like unmanned aerial vehicles become ubiquitous, military forces require vehicles capable of executing multiple mission types. The Bushmaster 5.6 evolves the traditional platform by adding powerful offensive capabilities to its established defensive mobility role, allowing for the rapid integration of Thales laser-guided rockets, advanced sensors, effectors, and autonomous mission systems. This structural adaptability allows the vehicle to support modern operations in counter-drone defense, sensing, communications, and electronic warfare.
The Bushmaster, produced in Bendigo, Victoria (Australia), continues to evolve to best serve the needs of its crews and operators, incorporating new front-door access, improved vehicle entry, digital displays and advanced vehicle monitoring systems so to improve usability, sustainment and support in the field it has been successfully deployed and trusted by armed forces around the world and continues to evolve through ongoing innovation, integration of operational lessons and customer collaboration.
Julien Assoun, Vice-President Vehicles and Tactical Systems, said, “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.”
