Northrop Grumman has taken a significant step in advancing Australia’s sovereign weapons manufacturing capabilities with the award of a non-recurring engineering contract to A.W. Bell.
The contract is set to enhance A.W. Bell’s titanium casting technology, a critical component in developing the nation’s guided weapons and explosive ordnance (GWEO) manufacturing capabilities, Northrop said in a news release.
The partnership builds on A.W. Bell’s involvement in Northrop Grumman’s Global Supply Chain Program, where the Australian manufacturer has demonstrated cutting-edge titanium casting techniques.
These capabilities have potential applications in high-profile programs such as Northrop Grumman’s Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range (AARGM-ER).
This collaboration was recently celebrated at the 2024 Northrop Grumman Supplier Excellence Awards, where A.W. Bell was recognized for its outstanding contributions to programs like the AARGM-ER.
“This partnership strengthens our commitment to enhancing Australia’s defense industry capabilities and supply chain resilience, which is a core focus of our Australian industrial approach,” said Jake Campbell, interim country executive for Northrop Grumman Australia.
Sam Bell, CEO of A.W. Bell, expressed pride in the partnership and its potential to bolster Australia’s defense manufacturing.
“Working with Northrop Grumman and their Global Supply Chain team has been valuable in strengthening our manufacturing capabilities internationally.”
“Being recognised with the 2024 Strategic Excellence Award was a highlight, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Northrop Grumman through our new titanium casting capability supporting GWEO and sovereign defence manufacturing in Australia,” Bell noted.
Northrop Grumman’s Global Supply Chain program, established through an agreement with the Australian Department of Defence in July, has created over $100 million in opportunities for Australian Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
The program’s objectives include supporting supply chain resilience, building sovereign industrial capability, and unlocking export potential for Australian businesses.
Globally, Northrop Grumman delivers advanced defence products and services to the US government and 25 other nations.
