Files image of Bushmaster PMVs as used by the Direct Fire Support Weapons (DWFS) platoon of the 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment. (Defence)

The Bushmaster protected vehicle is set for an upgrade that includes an Australian-designed stabilisation system that is intended to improve firing accuracy, following on from a completed upgrade to 45 Protected Weapon Systems (PWS).

“This contract with Thales Australia is valued around $11.2 million and will see the upgrade of an additional 40 PWS,” said Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne on December 1.

The PWS comprises an upgraded remote weapon station designed by Electro Optic Systems (EOS) and a vehicle integration kit designed by Thales. This work will be undertaken at a Thales support facility in Brisbane and an EOS facility in Queanbeyan.

“The PWS is a fully integrated remote weapon and battlefield surveillance capability that has been used by Australian soldiers on operations since 2008,” Minister Pyne added.