Thales Australia, teaming up with Dedrone by Axon, has given the iconic Bushmaster armored vehicle a major upgrade. This isn’t just any upgrade—it’s about equipping the Bushmaster with cutting-edge counter-drone technology. What does this mean for you and the soldiers relying on it? Well, it means the Bushmaster can now detect, track, and take down hostile drones while on the move. In today’s combat zones, where drones are increasingly common, this enhancement is a game-changer for keeping our troops safe.
Drones are rewriting the rules of modern warfare, whether they’re used for spying or as weapons. Jeff Connolly, CEO of Thales Australia and New Zealand, explained, “We’ve been paying attention to the evolving nature of warfare, particularly with what’s happening in Ukraine. We’ve taken those lessons and integrated them into the Australian Bushmaster. This ensures the vehicle remains relevant and effective for both current and future conflicts.” This upgrade is all about giving our troops the upper hand on the battlefield.
Dedrone by Axon’s counter-drone solutions are already trusted by six G-7 governments and are in use at 926 sites, including major airports and stadiums across 33 countries. Now, with Dedrone’s advanced counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) technology onboard, the Bushmaster can fend off drones of all sizes. What’s more, this system can be retrofitted to existing vehicles, offering a practical solution for armed forces around the world.
With around 1,300 Bushmasters deployed in countries like Australia, Ukraine, and the UK, this vehicle has a proven track record of protecting soldiers, especially in regions like the Middle East and Ukraine against roadside bombs and ambushes. Adding Dedrone’s technology only strengthens its position as a leader in protected mobility.
Thales conducted rigorous ground tests near its Bendigo facility to see how the new system performs under combat-like conditions. Connolly mentioned, “The successful testing of Dedrone’s counter-drone capabilities while in motion is a game-changer for the Bushmaster and those who use it. In dynamic and unpredictable combat environments, the ability to defend against drone threats offers a clear tactical advantage.”
This upgrade is part of a broader enhancement program that includes features like a digital dashboard, scalable ballistic armor, and improved engine performance. Aaditya Devarakonda, CEO of Dedrone by Axon, shared his pride in the partnership, emphasizing the increased situational awareness and threat mitigation capabilities provided to warfighters by combining Dedrone’s technology with Thales’ combat platforms.
