Bushmaster Showcased In Czech Republic

Defence firm Thales has been showing off its Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle (PMV) to representatives of the Czech military.

The PMV, manufactured by Thales Australia, was put through its paces at a test facility of Czech firm VOP CZ in front of the European nation's Ministry of Defence, Army and General Staff. The 48-hour ‘Bushmaster Days’ event served as an opportunity to showcase the Bushmaster's capabilities.

Attendees witnessed the Bushmaster’s manoeuvrability at the test track, as well as the flexibility of its payload and passenger configurations. Those in attendance also had the opportunity to examine the unique V-shaped hull of the Bushmaster that maximises crew protection from explosive devices like IEDs. 

“In the future, we would like to become the centre of delivery and support for Bushmaster vehicles in the Central and Eastern European region. Thanks to this important project, we would also increase our workforce in areas of production, service and development, which is a real opportunity for our region and a promise of work for the future," said interim director Martin Šturala of VOP CZ.

“This is a truly exciting opportunity for Thales Australia to demonstrate the performance of the Bushmaster, which has a proven track record of protecting and saving lives over the last 20 years," said Julie Bown, Vice President Vehicles & Tactical Systems at Thales Australia & New Zealand.

VOP CZ is owned by the Czech Republic Ministry of Defence and specialises in military technology, machine production and development. Thales Australia has a teaming agreement with VOP CZ to progress cooperation on the supply of the Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles to the Czech Armed Forces.

The Bushmaster vehicles have been deployed by nine armies in conflict zones including Afghanistan, Iraq, Mali, and recently Ukraine. Over 1,200 vehicles have been manufactured by Thales in Australia with various modifications and variants, ranging from troop carrier, ambulance, route clearance, electronic warfare and mortar variants. 

You can read more about the event on the Thales website