Thales Australia is testing a version of the Bushmaster armored vehicle with an integrated drone countermeasure system that automatically detects threats and adapts to them.

ABC News reported on this.

The electronic jamming system, developed by the American company Dedrone, has been integrated into the armored vehicle as a solution to protect against drone attacks, based on the experience of the Russian-Ukrainian war.

Thales Australia spokesman Mitchell O’Dwyer said the new technology is a “natural progression” for the vehicle, which was designed as an ambush-resistant mine-resistant vehicle.

“Protection and mobility are key components of ground maneuver for a vehicle like the Bushmaster. The ability to withstand the new threats we are seeing in new theaters worldwide is critical to maintaining that capability,” he said.

DeDrone said that their system can protect the vehicle in a static position and while “moving” with the help of “smart jamming.”

In their developments, engineers use radio frequency monitoring systems, which allow them to turn on interference emissions only when drones approach. Presumably, the system can also independently tune into the range used by the communication systems of the directional UAV.

Judging by the footage and description, this is the Dedrone Tactical system. The manufacturer emphasizes that its operation is almost completely automated by artificial intelligence, which increases the efficiency of drone direction finding and minimizes false alarms.

It is reported that the Australian military has not yet equipped its Bushmaster armored vehicle fleet with anti-drone protection. Still, last year, it started searching for systems that would provide minimum survivability for the entire land army as part of the LAND 156 project.

According to the country’s Ministry of Defense, the project has a broader purpose and is designed to protect troops deployed at home and abroad, as well as protect infrastructure, expeditionary bases, foot soldiers, and vehicles of all classes.

Meanwhile, the defense ministry has recently ordered Thales Australia to produce additional Bushmaster vehicles for its new missile unit.

In the future, they will be used by a regiment that will use mobile StrikeMaster launchers based on the Bushmaster.