Bushmaster Gets Axon Dedrone Protection Against Drone Attacks.
Bushmaster Gets Axon Dedrone Protection — Thales Australia has successfully integrated a counter-drone capability from Dedrone by Axon into its Bushmaster protected mobility vehicle.
The system was tested while the vehicle was in motion and is designed to detect, track and mitigate threats posed by hostile drones of varying sizes. The capability can be retrofitted to existing platforms and is aimed at improving the operational flexibility of protected mobility vehicles in live environments.
Dedrone’s counter-UAS technology is currently deployed in 33 countries and used by a wide range of government agencies and infrastructure operators. These include 6 G7 nations, 17 US federal entities, 30 international governments, and over 900 sites including airports and stadiums.
The integration with Dedrone’s mobile detection and mitigation system follows trends in modern conflict, where mobility and real-time situational awareness are essential. The capability enables the Bushmaster to maintain active surveillance and threat mitigation without halting movement, increasing its utility in unpredictable combat scenarios.
The testing phase confirmed the system’s performance in motion, supporting further development and operational deployment. Thales and Dedrone plan to offer the integrated system to international customers seeking mobility platforms with enhanced protection against drone-based threats.
Thales has produced more than 1300 Bushmaster vehicles over the past 2 decades, with the majority delivered to the Australian Defence Force. The platform is also in service with the armed forces of 8 allied nations, including the UK, New Zealand, and Ukraine. It gained a strong reputation with Australian troops in past Middle East deployments, where it demonstrated its capacity to withstand IED strikes without crew fatalities.
In Ukraine, the Bushmaster continues to see operational use and has received positive feedback on its protective armour, thermal imaging systems, and weapon stations. The addition of a moving counter-drone capability is intended to support evolving battlefield requirements, where unmanned aerial threats are increasingly common.
“We’ve watched the changes in modern warfare in Ukraine, taken the lessons learned there, and built them into the Australian Bushmaster,” said Jeff Connolly, CEO, Thales Australia and New Zealand.
“This means we are ensuring the iconic vehicle is fit for purpose for both current and future conflicts – a modern vehicle with advanced capabilities.”
“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.”
“We’re excited to partner together with Dedrone by Axon to bring this important innovation to the battlefield.”
You can learn more about Axon here or read more SEN news here.
“Bushmaster Gets Axon Dedrone Protection Against Drone Attacks.”
