15:29 GMT, September 2, 2010 Thales Canada has welcomed the Canadian government’s announcement that the Bushmaster has been qualified for the next stage in selection process for the Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle (TAPV) Program.

”We are very pleased to have the opportunity to present the Bushmaster for Army testing next year as part of the Request for Proposal,” said Paul Kahn, Thales Canada President and CEO. “The Bushmaster is a highly mobile vehicle with outstanding ballistic, mine and improvised explosive device (IED) blast resistant characteristics that has been proven repeatedly in combat to save lives.”

With Bushmaster vehicles in-service in Iraq and Afghanistan with the forces of Australia, the Netherlands and other NATO Allies, Thales has a fully developed, independently tested and combat proven vehicle that is ideal for the Canadian TAPV program.

Thales Canada, in addition to its exclusive teaming agreement with DEW Engineering and Development ULC on the assembly of the Bushmaster, will be looking at further maximizing its Canadian Content Value and will be meeting with potential suppliers across Canada over the next several months. Thales’ first official supplier sourcing session will be during DEFSEC Atlantic 2010, in Halifax, September 9 - 10, 2010.

“The combination of Thales, DEW, and a variety of Canadian suppliers will not only give the government a “made in Canada” solution but will create and maintain jobs for Canadians for the next 25 years,” added Dave Spagnolo, Vice President of Thales Canada’s defence and security business.

The Bushmaster family of protected mobility vehicles includes patrol, command, ambulance, surveillance & target acquisition, direct fire support weapons and mortar vehicle variants and provides solutions for a wide variety of mission roles and applications including logistical support.

The base vehicle will be offered with various weapon systems, such as a remote weapons station, sighting and vision systems as well integrated electronic architectures and C4I options to enhance the vehicle mission performance.