Land Forces 2026: Thales unveils Bushmaster featuring C-UAS capabilities

A Bushmaster vehicle featuring RapidStriker C-UAS system is displayed at Land Forces 2026. (Thales)

Thales Australia unveiled a new Bushmaster Dual Cab configuration integrating counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) and precision-strike capabilities at the Land Forces 2026 international defence exposition in Perth, Australia, on 7 October.

The configuration integrates Thales' RapidStriker C-UAS system onto the Bushmaster protected mobility vehicle (PMV) and was showcased alongside the German company STARK's Cascade loitering munition. The companies have also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to advance the development, manufacture, and deployment of loitering munitions in Australia.

According to Thales, RapidStriker combines 360° detection and automated fire control with multiple effectors. The company launched the system at Eurosatory in Paris in June 2026 and said it is designed to counter UAVs and helicopters. Its effectors include guided and unguided 68 mm and 70 mm rockets, small-calibre cannon, and remotely operated munitions.

Thales said RapidStriker can detect, identify, track, and neutralise a threat within seconds through automation and sensor-data fusion. The company said the system can be integrated onto high-mobility combat vehicles, including the Bushmaster.

Thales also said the Bushmaster Dual Cab has been optimised to support intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions, with onboard systems intended to process and combine information in real time.

In addition to the C-UAS system, Thales Australia demonstrated STARK's tube-launched Cascade loitering munition. Thales said Cascade has a range of 100 km and can carry a 4.5 kg payload. According to the company, the munition can be launched in swarms from a multi-cell launcher fitted to the Bushmaster and is intended to engage targets including command posts, logistics hubs, artillery positions, and air-defence systems.