Thales Australia Tests Counter-Drone Systems on Bushmaster Vehicle
Thales Australia has tested the Bushmaster armored vehicle with Dedrone by Axon’s counter-drone systems.
Dedrone’s technology detects, tracks, and neutralizes small, medium, and large hostile drones while the Bushmaster vehicle is in motion.
The tests took place near Thales Australia’s Bendigo facility in South Australia under simulated battlefield conditions.
The integration of counter-drone capabilities on the Bushmaster vehicle is part of a broader modernization program for the platform.
Other upgrades included a digital dashboard, scalable ballistic armor, increased payload capacity, as well as an engine upgrade.
“We’ve watched the changes in modern warfare in Ukraine, taken the lessons learned there, and built them into the Australian Bushmaster,” said Jeff Connolly, CEO of Thales Australia and New Zealand.
“It means we are ensuring the iconic vehicle is fit for purpose for both current and future conflicts – a modern vehicle with advanced capabilities,” he added.
Vehicle Mounted Counter-Drone Protection
Dedrone’s counter-drone solutions are designed for integration with military vehicles and capable of detecting over 200 types of drones, such as commercial models and first-person view drones.
The systems’ components include a ruggedized onboard computing tablet, a power supply, and adaptable radio frequency sensors.
These tools can be mounted in different configurations and are effective against drone swarms.
Multi-Role Protected Vehicle
The Bushmaster is a 17-ton vehicle with a payload capacity of over 4 tons.
It is designed for various missions, including troop transport, patrol, and weapons deployment.
Currently in service with the Australian Defence Force and eight other nations, the Bushmaster has been deployed in operations across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and the Pacific.
It accommodates up to 10 personnel, providing blast and ballistic protection while maintaining off-road mobility.
