Iconic Bushmaster now stops drones in their tracks — even in motion

The battlefield is changing, and so is the Bushmaster. The legendary armored vehicle, built by Thales Australia, has been a trusted shield for troops in war zones for over 20 years. But now, it’s stepping into the future with a powerful new trick up its sleeve — advanced counter-drone technology.

Thanks to a partnership with Dedrone by Axon, the Bushmaster has successfully integrated a system that can detect, track, and neutralize hostile drones — even while moving. This game-changing upgrade was recently tested in battlefield-like conditions near Thales Australia’s Bendigo facility, proving its effectiveness against aerial threats.

Drones are becoming a serious challenge in modern warfare. From reconnaissance to weaponized attacks, they add a dangerous layer to battlefields. The ability to counter them — especially while on the move — gives troops a major advantage. That’s exactly what Thales and Dedrone have accomplished with this latest upgrade.

By fitting the Bushmaster with Dedrone’s cutting-edge counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) technology, the vehicle can now fend off small, medium, and large drones. And the best part? The system can be added to existing vehicles, making this a practical solution for armed forces around the world.

The Bushmaster has already earned its reputation as a lifesaver. Built to withstand roadside bombs and ambushes, it has protected troops in conflicts from the Middle East to Ukraine. Ukrainian forces, in particular, have praised its robust armor, thermal vision systems, and weapon stations, which continue to hold up under intense combat conditions.

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Now, with the addition of counter-drone defenses, the Bushmaster is evolving for the next generation of warfare. But this isn’t the only upgrade in store. Thales has a full suite of improvements planned for the vehicle, including:

• Digital dashboard for better control and navigation
• Scalable ballistic armor for enhanced protection
• Door assist systems for faster exits and entries
• Engine upgrades to keep the Bushmaster running stronger
• Hybrid electric drive for improved efficiency
• Cold-weather start kits for extreme conditions

Jeff Connolly, CEO of Thales Australia and New Zealand, highlights the importance of learning from modern conflicts: “The successful testing of Dedrone’s counter-drone capabilities while in motion is a game-changer for the Bushmaster and those forces who use it. In dynamic and unpredictable combat environments, the ability to defend against drone threats offers a clear tactical advantage.”

Meanwhile, Aaditya Devarakonda, CEO of Dedrone by Axon, emphasizes the significance of their counter-drone system: “By combining our mobile counter-drone technology with their state-of-the-art protected mobility combat platforms, we provide war fighters with the ability to effectively maneuver on the battlefield, all while having increased situational awareness and mitigation capabilities against the asymmetric threat of small drones.”

With over 1,300 Bushmasters already built and deployed in nine countries — including the UK, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Ukraine — this latest upgrade ensures that the vehicle remains a frontruner in protected mobility.

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