ADI hands over last Bushmaster IMV

ADI Ltd has handed over the last of 152 Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicle (IMV) troop carriers ordered by the Army under Project Bushranger.

"The Bushmaster vehicle has received widespread acclaim among Australian Army soldiers on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and has received significant international interest in its capability," the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Bruce Billson, said during the handover at ADI's Bendigo plant in Victoria.

"Facing tough challenges in tough environments demands world class equipment. The Bushmaster provides anti-vehicle and small arms protection and is the first Australian-designed and developed armoured vehicle to be selected for the Australian Army since World War 2," Billson said.

"A production contract was signed in July 2002 with ADI Limited for the provision of Bushmaster vehicles. ADI Limited has now achieved delivery, on time and on budget, of a world class vehicle with capabilities unmatched by any comparable vehicle in operation anywhere in the world today.

"Bushmaster also provides exceptional mobility to Australian forces and carries three days' supplies for extended operations, with a range of 600-800 kilometres dependent on terrain."

The Troop Variant is the common vehicle of the Bushmaster fleet and forms the base for all other variants including:

* Command Variant

* Assault Pioneer Variant

* Ambulance Variant

* Mortar Variant

* Direct Fire Weapon Variant

"The delivery of the last Troop Variant is a significant milestone for Defence and Australian Industry. This partnering with industry has created a world class product for the Australian Army, provided significant employment opportunities throughout Australia and has demonstrated an enhanced acquisition process and close cooperation between the Australian Government and Australian Industry," Billson said.