The Australian government has announced a new $220 million investment in the production of munitions at factories in Mulwala, New South Wales, and Benalla, Victoria.
The investment aims to boost Australia’s industrial capacity through infrastructure redevelopments at each site, ensuring they are equipped to support future production demands, such as 155mm artillery ammunition.
It will also support the production of new explosive mixers and Mulwala and boost munition manufacturing procedures, including non-destructive testing.
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said the investment demonstrates the government’s commitment to the implementation of the Defence Strategic Review’s recommendations to develop advanced munitions manufacturing in Australia.
“Improving Australia’s ability to manufacture the munitions our defence force needs is not only critical to meeting the strategic challenges we face as a nation, it will also support local industry and well-paid, skilled local jobs,” Minister Conroy said.
The Department of Defence has developed a new Resonant Acoustic Mixing technology at Mulwala, which will produce a broader range of advanced munitions, faster, and more safely.
The solution will increase the capacity of production of the BLU0111 aerial bombs, which are used by the Royal Australian Air Force.
“The ability to bring the BLU-111(AUS) into operational service as an Australian manufactured munition is a significant milestone in boosting Australia’s defence industry manufacturing capability,” the minister said.
“The Mulwala and Benalla munition factories underpin Australia’s ability to develop critical propellants, explosives and munitions for the Australian Defence Force.”
