The Australian Government announced the initiation of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missile manufacturing in the country by 2025, following the formalisation of a $37.4 million contract between the Australian Defence Department and Lockheed Martin Australia.
The contract includes provisions for the production of an initial batch of GMLRS missiles within Australia, facilitated by the transfer of crucial technical data from the United States, the government said in a media release.
Additionally, the agreement will lay the groundwork for engineering certification processes and play a crucial role in building the technical expertise of the Australian workforce.
In tandem with the GMLRS initiative, the Australian Government is set to acquire Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM).
Both PrSM and GMLRS missiles, designed to engage targets up to 500km away, can be launched from the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers.
This strategic move is part of a broader $4.1 billion investment, which was announced in response to the findings of the Defence Strategic Review.
The investment aims to empower the Australian Defence Force with an increased inventory of long-range strike systems and, crucially, establish the capability to manufacture longer-range munitions within the country.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles stated that the contract with Lockheed Martin Australia, signed to initiate the manufacturing of GMLRS in Australia from 2025, serves as another illustration of the Albanese Government achieving significant objectives outlined in the Defence Strategic Review.
“These are important milestones which will see Australia gain the technology we need to establish a sovereign industry, providing opportunities for a highly-skilled workforce,” Marles noted.
Acting Minister for Defence and Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy highlighted that the announcement aligns with the Albanese Government’s commitment to realign Defence capabilities in accordance with the Defence Strategic Review.
“This important first step towards the establishment of domestic guided weapons manufacturing in Australia will complement the acquisition of long-range precision strike capabilities and strengthen the ADF’s ability to protect Australia and its interests,” he explained.
Furthermore, Conroy underscored the collaborative efforts between Australia and the United States, specifically referencing the ongoing cooperation on Australia’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise.
He pointed out that this collaboration is a tangible outcome of the discussions held during the Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations in July 2023.
The Australian Government said it remains committed to fulfilling its promise of establishing a domestic missile manufacturing program.
Simultaneously, the accelerated acquisition of long-range strike capabilities is envisioned to fortify the Australian Defence Force’s capacity to safeguard Australia and its immediate region.
According to the government, the move towards domestic missile manufacturing not only bolsters national defence but also stimulates the growth of high-tech industries and contributes to the development of a self-reliant defence infrastructure.
