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Bushmaster protects troops from bomb blast

An Australian Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle struck by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) to the north of Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan has been credited with protecting Australian troops travelling in the vehicle.

The soldiers, from the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force (MRTF), were operating north of Tarin Kowt when the incident occurred on Thursday, 27 August 2009.

The Department of Defence issued a media release stating that while the vehicle was damaged, Australian troops within escaped injury.

“This incident is a reminder of the ongoing danger that IEDs pose to local nationals and ADF personnel in Afghanistan. It also highlights the outstanding protection provided by the Bushmaster vehicle,” said the Department.

The Bushmaster vehicle is manufactured by Thales Australia’s Bendigo facility. Thales is a core participant of the Defence Materials Technology Centre (DMTC), active in the Armour Applications program. It is involved in a project focused on evolution of vehicle armour requirements and development of improved systems and manufacturing techniques.

DMTC is a private joint venture between defence industry, universities and government research agencies focused on enhancing Australia’s defence capability through the development of new materials and manufacturing technologies.