Thales Australia has expanded their partnership with General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS) to offer the latest munitions solutions to Australian Defence Force.
Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne said the agreement will result in co-production and technology transfer for a variety of critical munitions products, opening up further opportunities for exports into the US down the line.
“This agreement will make Thales Australia a part of the GD-OTS’s international supply chain, which could facilitate additional exports into the United States from Australia across a range of munitions, supporting the Australian Government’s goal of becoming a Top 10 global defence exporter,” Minister Pyne said.
“Also covering medium calibre, mortar, tank and artillery ammunition, this agreement demonstrates a comprehensive, strategic approach to meeting the needs of the Australian Defence Force and could progress to include manufacturing the bombs for our region’s Joint Strike Fighters.”
He said the agreement further strengthens Thales Australia’s commitment to Australian industry, ensuring the company, and their SMES in its supply chain, are well equipped to continue manufacturing world-class munitions that provide Australian soldiers with a warfighting advantage.
“By partnering with GD-OTS, Thales Australia is strengthening the identified Sovereign Industrial Capability in munitions and small arms research, design, development and manufacture and generating economic benefit along its supply chain through potential export opportunities,” the Minister continued.
“The Australian Government is maximising its $200 billion investment over the next ten years in defence capability in Australia – the largest in our peacetime history – and it is encouraging companies like Thales Australia are choosing to invest in Australia.”
