12:37 GMT, August 8, 2008 The Dutch Army is buying 13 more Australian-built mine resistant Bushmaster armoured vehicles for $15million.

Of the 36 Bushmasters the Dutch have used, at least four have been destroyed or seriously damaged -- mostly the result of roadside bombs, the insurgent's weapon of choice. But no crew or passengers were killed as a result of the attacks.

The Dutch order brings to 73 the number of Bushmasters purchased by other nations, including 49 by The Netherlands, most of which are serving with combat units in Afghanistan.

The Australian Defence Force is by far the biggest Bushmaster user, with more than 700 ordered and vehicles currently deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In May, Britain's defence ministry ordered 24 Bushmasters, which are believed to be in operation in Iraq.

Spain is also showing strong interest in the Bushmaster to fill a requirement for a high-mobility protected vehicle, according to Canberra-based defence sources.

Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Greg Combet says he hopes to sell the carriers to at least one other European country.

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Featuring a blast-resistant V-shaped hull, the 12-tonne off-roaders capable of carrying nine fully equipped soldiers are earning a good reputation on the frontlines in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

They can be fitted with a variety of weapons, including light machine guns, a 40mm grenade launcher or a remotely operated 12.7mm heavy machine gun.