New Zealand to purchase 43 Thales Australia Bushmaster protected vehicles

The Thales Australia Bushmaster NZ5.5 Protected Mobility Vehicle. Photo c/o New Zealand Army.


The New Zealand government has confirmed that they approved the acquisition of a fleet of 43 Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles (PMV), which are designed and made in Australia by Thales Australia.

The vehicles are expected to replace the New Zealand Army’s (NZA) ageing fleet of armoured Pinzgauers trucks, and would be available to provide new capabilities aside from troop transport, including protected ambulance and as a command and control hub.

The program is expected to cost around NZ$102.9 million (US$67.6 million), will involve the purchase of the Bushmaster NZ5.5 variant, which offers improved protection, carrying capacity, and mobility compared to the NZA’s existing fleet which are now reaching the end of their operational life.

Also included in the program are the acquisition of a desktop simulator, support equipment and infrastructure upgrade at NZA’s Linton Camp, and a training package.

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) expects that the vehicle would be used for responding to natural disasters, and on New Zealand’s peacekeeping operations.

Deliveries are expected to start by late 2022, with the fleet starting operational introduction starting late 2023.

The NZA actually is a current operator of the Bushmaster PMV, with at least 5 vehicles already in service with the New Zealand Special Air Service (NZSAS), and designated as the Special Operations Vehicle – Protected Heavy (SOV-PH).


[1] Beehive - New Zealand Government
[2] Jane’s

New Zealand to purchase 43 Thales Australia Bushmaster protected vehicles New Zealand to purchase 43 Thales Australia Bushmaster protected vehicles Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal on July 10, 2020 Rating: 5

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