Australia has revealed its ambitious plans to venture into domestic missile manufacturing, marking a significant leap in the nation's defense capabilities.
Under a substantial A$37 million ($24.5 million) contract with the renowned American munitions powerhouse, Lockheed Martin Corp., Australia aims to commence the production of its first locally-made missiles as early as 2025, as per Blomberg.
Acting Defense Minister Pat Conroy, during a press briefing in Canberra on Tuesday, unveiled the collaborative effort between Australia and Lockheed Martin to construct an initial batch of missiles. The ultimate goal is to escalate production to a mass scale by the end of this decade, fostering a robust domestic missile manufacturing industry.
"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," highlighted Acting Defense Minister Pat Conroy.
The venture is not only centered on missile production but also includes the acquisition of Precision Strike Missiles, capable of hitting targets up to 500 kilometers away. This strategic move is part of a broader $4.1 billion investment earmarked for long-range strike missiles and guided weapons enterprise, responding to the defense strategic review released last year.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles lauded the contract as evidence of the Labor government's commitment to delivering pivotal outcomes from the defense review. He emphasized that these milestones would equip Australia with the necessary technology to establish a sovereign industry while creating opportunities for a highly-skilled workforce.
The Albanese Government, under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, is resolute in ensuring that Australia embarks on manufacturing Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missiles from 2025. The recently signed $37.4 million contract with Lockheed Martin Australia is instrumental in facilitating the initial batch of GMLRS missiles on Australian soil.
This undertaking is a crucial stepping stone toward establishing large-scale domestic missile manufacturing, involving the transfer of technical data, engineering certification processes, and the development of the technical skills of the Australian workforce, according to Yahoo News.
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Australia Bolsters Defense with 500km Precision Missiles
The acquisition of Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM), capable of engaging targets at a distance of 500 kilometers, is set to further enhance Australia's defense capabilities. Both PrSM and GMLRS can be launched from High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers.
These initiatives, integrated into the $4.1 billion investment plan, represent a commitment to not only bolster Australia's defense capabilities but also to establish a self-reliant missile manufacturing industry. The Albanese Government is steadfast in delivering on its promise to prioritize domestic missile manufacturing while concurrently accelerating the acquisition of long-range strike capabilities, fortifying the Australian Defence Force's ability to safeguard Australia and its immediate region.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles reiterated the significance of these contracts, stating, "Signing this contract with Lockheed Martin Australia to begin the manufacturing of GMLRS in Australia from 2025 is another example of the Albanese Government delivering key outcomes of the Defence Strategic Review."
He continued, "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."
The collaboration between Australia and the United States on the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise further underscores the strong and ongoing partnership, a notable outcome of the Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations in July 2023. This cooperative effort is poised to reinforce Australia's position in the realm of guided weapons manufacturing, aligning with the nation's strategic defense objectives, Australian Government reported.
