New electric Bushmaster unveiled at recent Chief of Army Symposium

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Image credit: airforce.gov.au

The Australian Department of Defence has revealed the new electric-powered Bushmaster at the recent Chief of Army Symposium, a three-day event that gathered the leading defence tech innovators in the country. 

Speaking during the event, Assistant Minister for Defence Matt Thistlethwaite said the new electric Protected Military Vehicle (ePMV) is a key part of the Army’s efforts to become future-ready.

“We have seen great success with Australian designed and built vehicles keeping personnel safe under fire and the new ePMV represents the next innovative stage in that tradition,” said Thistlethwaite. 

“This ePMV brings the benefits of electric vehicles to the battlefield, particularly being quieter than its combustion counterparts, and I look forward to seeing it perform in field trials,” he added. 

The symposium, which was held from 9 to 11 August in Adelaide, provided Australian Defence Force personnel and industry partners with hands-on operating experience with the latest technology aimed at supporting the “future ready” Army. 

“As we are seeing around the world today, modern military personnel are joined on their missions by machines. This symposium enables Army to work with industry to explore new and emerging technologies,” Thistlethwaite said during the event. 

The Australian Bushmaster is a four-wheel drive on and off-road vehicle capable of transporting 10 troops with their weapons and equipment. The vehicle itself can be transported by road, rail, or air, according to the Australian Air Force.