Bushmaster sold to US

US troops in Iraq, at risk of being killed or maimed by roadside bombs, will soon travel safely in an Australian-designed armoured vehicle. The Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicle has impressed commanders in Iraq where the US-built Humvee has provided little or no protection for their troops.

The Bushmaster, with its blast-resistant V-shaped reinforced steel hull and other blast-resistant features, can transport up to 10 fully equipped troops at high speed across all terrains. It also carries enough fuel and provisions to last three days. Under the US deal, which is due to be signed within days, up to 1500 Bushmasters will be built under licence by US firm Oshkosh.

Good news all round. The troops are protected and Australia gets increased cash flow and recognition as quality builders and suppliers. Officers and executives of my Regimental Association recently traveled to Darwin to welcome the new 7RAR back into the Army Orbat. The one common opinion from observations of these old soldiers, from ex privates to Generals is that the Army, and particularly our regimental reputation is in very good hands and they all like the Bushmaster. Australian defence firm Thales (formerly ADI) is building more than 400 of the vehicles for the Australian Army and another 50 for Dutch forces at its plant at Bendigo in Victoria. The Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicle sounds a lot better than my issued Infantry mobility vehicles that were made of leather albeit with a metal plate built into the sole and called Boots, GP – I still have them in the back shed.