The Bushmaster: A Symbol of Resilience and Innovation

In June 2022, a Ukrainian vehicle was obliterated by a Russian RPG in the village of Tripilia. The vehicle, filled with soldiers, was reduced to a smoldering wreck. Yet, miraculously, everyone inside survived. This was no fluke or divine intervention; it was the result of a vehicle designed to do exactly that: save lives. This vehicle, known as the Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle, has become a symbol of resilience and innovation.

A Multinational Marvel

The Bushmaster’s story begins in February 1994 when Australia released specifications for a new infantry mobility vehicle (IMV). They sought a 4x4 all-terrain vehicle that could transport troops safely, protecting them from mines, IEDs, and small arms fire. The interim solution, a 6x6 Land Rover known as the Perentie or Bushranger, was fast and cheap but offered little protection.

The call for a new armored vehicle led to 17 different design proposals from companies worldwide. By January 1997, the competition was narrowed down to two: Perry Engineering’s Bushmaster and the Taipan, a modified version of the South African Mamba. The Bushmaster’s design was created by Timoney Technologies in Ireland and used 65% of components from the existing FMTV series in the U.S. Army. The rights to this design were bought by Australian Defense Industries (ADI), making the Bushmaster a multinational marvel.

After a grueling 44-week evaluation, neither vehicle was deemed sufficient, but the Bushmaster won the contract in March 1999, albeit with significant design changes. By the time of writing, 1200 Bushmasters have been produced, marking the first armored vehicle designed and manufactured entirely within Australia since 1942.

Designed for the Bush

The Bushmaster was optimized for Australia’s Northern regions, known for their intense heat and vast landscapes. Capable of holding ten occupants and covering a range of over 800 kilometers, the Bushmaster was equipped with full air conditioning and a 7.2-liter 300 horsepower turbocharged diesel engine, allowing it to hit speeds over 100 kilometers per hour.

But the Australian heat was not the only challenge. Mines and IEDs posed a real threat, and the Bushmaster’s design worked ingeniously to mitigate that risk. The steel armor surrounding the crew compartment was arranged in a V-shape, directing the force of an explosion up and away from the crew. This V-hull design increased the steel’s penetration resistance and made ricochets more likely, providing enhanced protection against mines and IEDs.

A Proven Protector

The Bushmaster’s protective capabilities have been proven in real combat situations. Serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, it has been used by Australian, Dutch, and British forces, seeing heavy fighting. Despite 31 vehicles being completely destroyed in Australian service and seven in Dutch hands, every single occupant survived. These incidents are a testament to the Bushmaster’s ability to take a beating and protect its crew.

But the Bushmaster is not just a shield; it’s also a sword. Equipped with an advanced remote weapon station, it can mount heavy weapons like a 50 caliber machine gun or a 40-millimeter automatic grenade launcher. Variants of the Bushmaster have also been built as mortar vehicles, and there are even plans to replace the crew compartment with anti-ship missiles in a package known as StrikeMaster.

A Lifesaver in Ukraine

The Bushmaster’s most recent and perhaps most poignant chapter is its deployment in Ukraine. In February 2022, Russia commenced a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, leading to a desperate call for assistance from the Ukrainian forces. Among the aid provided by various countries, Australia announced that it would give 20 Bushmasters to Ukrainian forces, with plans to increase the total to 90 vehicles.

The Ukrainian troops quickly fell in love with the Bushmaster, praising its safety, mobility, and comfort. Videos surfaced of Ukrainian soldiers expressing their gratitude to Australia, with heartfelt thanks for a vehicle that had saved precious lives.

However, the deployment in Ukraine also exposed the Bushmaster to new challenges. Unlike Australia, Ukraine lacked infantry fighting vehicles like the ASLAV, forcing the Bushmaster to take on a more dangerous role. This led to multiple Bushmasters being destroyed by Russian forces using advanced anti-tank weaponry, resulting in the vehicle’s first combat fatalities.

Despite these losses, the Bushmaster’s record remains impressive. Of the four vehicles destroyed in recent counter-attacks, only one resulted in the loss of the crew. The Bushmaster continues to serve in Ukraine, saving lives and symbolizing resilience and innovation.

Conclusion

The Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle is more than just a piece of military equipment. It’s a symbol of innovative design, and a relentless commitment to saving lives. From the Australian bush to the battlefields of Ukraine, the Bushmaster has proven its worth time and again.