# Thales Australia Unveils Battlefield Logistics UGV

Thales Australia unveiled the BladeHaul, a heavy-duty unmanned ground vehicle based on the Bushmaster, at Land Forces 2026 in Perth on October 6. The platform is aimed at the Australian Army and other land forces, but remains under development: its autonomy system is not yet operational, and Thales is working with Deakin University on its development. No solicitation, contract award, or funding value has been reported, making this an early market signal rather than an active bidding opportunity.

- The development points to potential future demand for heavy unmanned ground vehicles and autonomy integration for battlefield logistics.
- Companies working in autonomy, systems engineering, and military vehicle integration can assess how their capabilities could support the platform as it develops.
- Procurement professionals and contractors should distinguish this product unveiling from a funded acquisition; the signal identifies no current solicitation or award.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** October 15, 2026

### Government Entities
- Australian Army

### Vendors
- Thales Australia (platform developer)
- 3ME Technology (systems engineering and platform development provider)

### Key Quotes
> Working with Thales Australia brings together the best of Australian innovation, combining 3ME Technology’s systems engineering and platform development capabilities with the Bushmaster’s proven performance and established manufacturing base. Together we’re delivering an entirely new XL-UGV at a time when demand for contested logistics and remote power solutions for littoral environments is present and growing.
> — Justin Bain, CEO of 3ME Technology

### Sources
- [Thales Australia tackles heavy battlefield logistics with new big-rig robot](https://www.defensenews.com/land/2026/10/15/thales-australia-tackles-heavy-battlefield-logistics-with-new-big-rig-robot) - Defense News