Bendigo builds 20 Bushmasters heading for Ukraine

Bendigo is at the centre of Australia becoming one of the first countries to provide special combat vehicles to Ukraine.

Bendigo is at the centre of Australia becoming one of the first countries to provide special combat vehicles to Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russian forces.

The Federal Government has provided 20 bushmaster vehicles, worth $50 million dollars, with the first convoy airlifted to Europe from Brisbane on Friday morning.

Thales, the company supplying the vehicles, has a facility based in Bendigo, built the vehicles and will be relied on for replacements in coming months.

Bendigo mayor Andrea Metcalf said she was proud of Bendigo’s ability to provide Bushmasters to the war effort.

“Bushmasters have been deployed around the world, and it makes sense to send these life-saving vehicles where they are most needed,” Ms Metcalf said.

“They (Bushmasters) go with the hopes of our community to see a peaceful end to this conflict.”

Bendigo Federal Labor MP Lisa Chesters said the deal would provide a significant amount of support to troops in Ukraine.

“There is no vehicle safer than a Bushmaster for moving troops, personnel and civilians trying to escape to safety,“ Ms Chester said.

Thales Australia said it was proud to be supplying Bushmasters to Ukraine.

“Our team in Brisbane has worked around the clock to have them ready for airlift to Ukraine today.”

Proud to support the donation of Australian Bushmasters to Ukraine. Built by Thales in Bendigo, our team in Brisbane has worked around the clock to have them ready for airlift to Ukraine today. #australianmadepic.twitter.com/EdXM8nwuXp

— Thales Australia (@ThalesAustralia) April 7, 2022