Land Forces 2026: Thales, 3ME Technology unveil BladeHAUL XL-UGV

A BladeHAUL UGV is photographed alongside a Bushmaster PMV. (Thales)

Thales Australia and Newcastle-based electrification specialist 3ME Technology have unveiled an extra-large uncrewed ground vehicle (XL-UGV), dubbed BladeHAUL, that combines autonomous operation, hybrid-electric propulsion, and heavy logistics capabilities on a platform derived from the Bushmaster 4x4 protected mobility vehicle (PMV).

In a press release published on 6 October, Thales said BladeHAUL was developed using the Bushmaster production line in Bendigo and Newcastle, alongside 3ME Technology's hybrid drive, power management, and vehicle control systems. It described the platform as a heavy-duty, off-road UGV designed to support logistics, power generation, and mission-system integration requirements.

According to Thales, the UGV can autonomously or remotely transport payloads of up to 10 tonnes and accommodate standard 20 ft containers. It can also serve as a hybrid mobile power source, providing power remotely.

Thales said the platform can carry a range of sensors and effectors. Proposed mission applications include intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) missions, maritime strike support, and other operational roles requiring autonomous transport and power generation.

Justin Bain, CEO of 3ME Technology, said BladeHAUL integrates the company's BladeVOLT energy-storage systems, BladeDRIVE hybrid-electric propulsion technology, and BladeNET vehicle control architecture into a single platform.

Bain added that the programme builds on experience gained from the company's Stealthmaster hybrid Bushmaster demonstrator and EdgeVOLT deployable power solutions. These technologies enable the Bushmaster-based XL-UGV to combine sovereign power, traction, and control systems with heavy logistics and remote energy-delivery capabilities.

Jeff Connolly, CEO of Thales Australia and New Zealand, said the programme demonstrates the potential of combining an established military vehicle platform with locally developed autonomous and energy technologies.