Thales and 3ME unveil BladeHAUL uncrewed ground vehicle with 10-tonne payload

A heavy-duty, hybrid-electric uncrewed ground vehicle designed to shoulder front-line logistics and double as a mobile power generator has been revealed by Thales Australia and electrification specialist 3ME Technology. Developed on domestic production lines and drawing heavily on the lineage of a combat-proven protected mobility vehicle, the machine enters the military transport sector at a moment when demand for resilient supply chains and contested logistics solutions is intensifying.

According to Janes, the platform was officially showcased on 6 October 2026, at the Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition. Billed by its creators as the nation's most capable heavy uncrewed vehicle, the machine marries autonomous control software with the chassis architecture of the well-known Bushmaster protected mobility vehicle. Joint Forces noted that the engineering effort aims to outstrip existing and planned counterparts in both sheer load capacity and operational flexibility.

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Manufacturing takes place across facilities in Bendigo and Newcastle, where the established Bushmaster production line meets advanced powertrain components. EDR Magazine reported that the platform utilizes 3ME's proprietary energy storage and drive architectures to deliver off-road performance under remote or autonomous guidance. By combining these systems, the vehicle supports human-machine teaming across varied terrain while keeping operators out of direct harm's way during high-risk resupply runs.

"BladeHAUL is a clear example of Australian innovation delivering Australian capability,"

Jeff Connolly, CEO of Thales Australia and New Zealand, via Defence Industry

The vehicle's physical footprint is tailored for bulky cargo. Fitted with standard shipping container locks across its upper surface, it accommodates a twenty-foot container alongside a maximum weight threshold of ten tonnes. Beyond simple cargo hauling, Defence Connect confirmed that the hybrid-electric self-propelled machine operates on a 3ME 660v power system with a range of 600km plus, featuring a battery capacity of 110kWh while retaining the option to be made fully electric.

The system is air transportable by A400M, C-17 and C-130 aircraft, allowing rapid deployment into remote areas. When stationary, the platform pivots to a secondary role as a heavy-duty generator capable of powering field hospitals, radar sites, and communications networks in austere environments. Containerised payload options also include deployable command posts and field support equipment.

The integration builds upon previous trials, including the Stealthmaster hybrid Bushmaster demonstrator and EdgeVOLT deployable power solutions. Justin Bain, CEO of 3ME Technology, emphasized that the machine consolidates the firm's core technological branches into a unified package encompassing BladeVOLT energy-storage systems, BladeDRIVE hybrid-electric propulsion technology, and BladeNET vehicle control architecture.

"Together we can deliver sovereign power, traction and control systems that turn proven mobility platforms into adaptable, mission-ready autonomous capability,"

Justin Bain, CEO of 3ME Technology, via EDR Magazine

Thales VP of land and GWEO, Andrew Downes, confirmed that the platform is engineered for multi-mission deployments. Proposed operational roles extend far beyond basic logistics to encompass intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions utilizing mounted sensors and effectors. It is also slated for counter-uncrewed aerial systems tasks, coastal defence, air defence, maritime strike, and mine clearance operations when fitted with front-mounted mine rollers or snow plough-type dozer blades.

The vehicle draws upon a trusted protected mobility lineage that is currently utilized by nine countries, including Australia and Ukraine. Industrial backing is extensive, with Thales employing around 4,500 people across multiple sites in Australia alongside a robust supply chain supporting thousands of additional roles, while Australian-owned 3ME maintains specialized domestic capabilities in lithium-ion batteries and electric drive systems.

Formal trials with the Australian Army are expected to take place in the new year, followed by planned participation in the next edition of Exercise Talisman Sabre as the military evaluates the vehicle's readiness for contested logistics and littoral environments.