The Thales Australia Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle. Photo c/o Army Recognition.

The New Zealand Defense Minister revealed plans to procure a new fleet of High Mobility Utility Light Vehicles with a budget of NZ$18.6 million (US$12.3 million), and up to 43 units of Protected Vehicles Medium. This are part of the first phase of procurement of vehicles to replace existing ageing assets in the New Zealand Army (NZA) under the Defence Capability Plan 2019.





According to Defense Min. Ron Mark, they are considering the Polaris MRZR all-terrain vehicle to fill the requirement of the High Mobility Utility Light Vehicles, and is looking at the possibility of adapting the Thales Australia Bushmaster armored vehicle for the Protected Vehicles Medium requirement.





The High Mobility Utility Light Vehicles based on the Polaris MZRZ will replace quad bikes and other small vehicles to improve mobility and safety of rapidly deployable mobile force.





The Protected Vehicles Medium will replace ageing Pinzgauers and Unimogs, which are said to be ageing and lacking adequate protection against current threats.





The New Zealand government is looking at working with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and other related suppliers to fill the requirement on the Protected Vehicles Medium.







