ADI Limited has officially handed over the first batch of 152 Troop Variant Bushmasters to the Commonwealth.
The Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, The Hon Bruce Billson MP, today took delivery of the last Bushmaster Troop Variant which rolled off the production line at ADI’s production facility in Bendigo.
ADI’s managing director, Norman Gray, said this handover is a significant milestone for ADI, the Defence Materiel Organisation and the Australian Defence Forces.
“The Bushmaster, which is the first armoured vehicle to be produced in Australia since World War II, is the world’s leading infantry mobility vehicle”, said Mr Gray.
“Delivery of this first batch of vehicles has confirmed ADI’s capability and we are proud to present our troops with an excellent combination of protection and mobility,” he said.
“This contract was signed in July 2002 and we are delivering an unrivalled world-class vehicle on time and on budget.”
Bushmaster is designed to provide superior protection against anti-tank mines, improvised explosive devices, mortar fragments and small arms fire. It can transport up to ten troops quickly and comfortably to destinations with a range of more than 500km.
ADI’s director of Land - Engineering and Vehicles, Bob Simpson, said the US Army and other international defence officials have expressed interest in the Bushmaster after observing its capabilities with the Australian Army. The Bushmaster is currently deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“The armoured vehicles are designed and built for the Army at ADI’s Bendigo facility in regional Victoria and all the staff involved have helped make this project a successful one,” Mr Simpson said.
ADI Limited has been contracted to provide 300 Bushmaster vehicles. Currently in production is the Bushmaster Command Variant and delivery is already underway.
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Bushmaster Handover - A Significant Milestone
