An electric-powered version of the Australian Army's Bushmaster armoured vehicle has been unveiled at a defence technology conference in Adelaide.
The Bushmaster is an 11-tonne, 4×4 protected vehicle designed to deflect explosions away from its passengers.
The vehicles were among the military equipment donated by the Australian government to Ukraine in its war against Russia earlier this year.
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It is designed and built in by defence contractor Thales in Victoria.
Now an electric version of the Bushmaster, or the electric Protected Military Vehicle (ePMV), has been displayed at this week's Chief of Army Symposium in Adelaide.
Assistant Defence Minister Matt Thistlethwaite said the vehicle promised better performance for army combat missions and the army plans to test it.
"This ePMV brings the benefits of electric vehicles to the battlefield, particularly being quieter than its combustion counterparts, and I look forward to seeing it perform in field trials."
Thistlethwaite said improving military technologies for the Australian Defence Force was a major goal for the federal government.
"As we are seeing around the world today, modern military personnel are joined on their missions by machines.
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"This symposium enables army to work with industry to explore new and emerging technologies."
"It is vital we support the exploration and development of these technologies, creating innovative advantages for the Australian Defence Force while supporting Australian industry and jobs."
