Lockheed Martin Australia has commenced operations at a new guided weapons facility in Port Wakefield, South Australia, marking the start of domestic production support for Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missiles for the Australian Defence Force.
The facility will produce GMLRS all-up rounds and launch pod containers, representing a significant step in Australia’s plan to build sovereign guided weapons manufacturing capacity.
Initial batches will be assembled using imported US components, but the program is designed to ramp up Australian content over time, including local manufacture of rocket motors, warheads, and other critical subsystems.
The Port Wakefield site will be the first location outside the US to produce GMLRS all-up rounds and launch pod containers.
It is expected to create around 20 new manufacturing jobs at the facility and support hundreds more across Australia’s expanding guided weapons supply chain.
“The completion of this state-of-the-art facility marks a key milestone for the Australian Government’s GWEO (Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance) Enterprise,” Vice President of Tactical Missiles at Lockheed Martin, Paula Hartley, said.
“By establishing domestic production of GMLRS, we are strengthening sovereign capability, ensuring full compatibility with US inventories.”
Bolstering Alliance
The GMLRS is a precision-guided munition fired from the Australian Army’s High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers, providing a strike range of more than 70 kilometres (43 miles).
Australia and the US are also advancing plans for domestic production of the Precision Strike Missile, which offers ranges exceeding 600 kilometres (373 miles).
“Starting missile production in Australia this year is a major step in building the industrial strength our nation needs. It’s about creating advanced manufacturing capability that will serve Australia for decades to come,” Deputy Prime Minister of Australia Richard Marles said.
“Producing these missiles in Australia demonstrates both the strength of our alliance with the United States and the capability of Australian industry.”
