40 new protected weapon systems for Bushmaster

Forty new Protected Weapon Systems will be installed on Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles in a contract worth more than $11 million.

CAPTION: A 1RAR soldier dismounts a Bushmaster equipped with a protected weapon station [or system? – let me know ASAP which one is right] (PWS) to fire an 84mm rocket launcher. File photo by Corporal Jamie Osborne.

Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne said  the upgrade would include a new, Australian-designed stabilisation system that improved accuracy when firing from a Bushmaster.

This new project follows on from the already successfully 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,” Minister Pyne said.

“The PWS comprises an upgraded remote weapon station designed by Australian company Electro Optic Systems and a vehicle integration kit designed by Thales Australia.

“The work will be undertaken by the experienced workforce at Thales Australia’s support facility in Brisbane, supporting three jobs and the Electro Optic Systems facility in Queanbeyan, supporting 50 jobs,” Mr Pyne said.

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

“This contract is another example of Australian industry improving capability and the safety of our soldiers.”

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