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They’re the defence vehicles that have become a symbol of Ukrainian resistance against Russia, and now, millions more will be spent to create more to be used by Australian forces.

The federal government has announced a $45 million contract to build 15 Bushmasters, a four-wheel-drive armoured vehicle, in Bendigo in regional Victoria.

The multi-million dollar contract was signed with defence manufacturer Thales, continuing the city’s history in making the vehicles.

The 15 extra Bushmasters will support the mobile artillery regiment of the Australian Defence Force.

“Protected vehicles such as the Bushmaster are part of the sovereign defence industrial priorities in the Albanese government’s defence industry development strategy,” Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said.

“This announcement shows we are supporting the Australian defence industry to deliver our priorities.”

It comes after a strategic review of Australia’s defence force showed there should be a greater emphasis on long-range missiles.

More than $200 million has been spent since Labor came to office in 2022 to build 93 Bushmaster vehicles in Australia.

The vehicles have been used in nine countries around the world, including in Ukraine, where they are used as part of medical evacuations and defence roles against Russian forces.

Andrew Brown
(Australian Associated Press)