Japan buys Thales Bushmasters

The Japanese Ministry of Defence has ordered four Bushmaster vehicles for deployment with the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF).

The vehicles, all troop carrier variants, will be manufactured at the company’s facility in Bendigo, Victoria, for delivery in late 2014.

Thales Australia CEO Chris Jenkins said: “This new export order demonstrates the ongoing significance and versatility of the Bushmaster vehicle.”

“It also shows that Australian manufacturing can compete in the global arena, even in specialist markets where competition is tough. We are very pleased to add the JGSDF as a new export customer, and look forward to working closely with them as these vehicles enter service.”

The order has been placed through Thales Japan, and represents their first platform contract.