Australia on track for missile manufacturing and increasing long range strike capability.

Australia is set to enhance its missile manufacturing capabilities and bolster its long-range strike potential with significant developments on the horizon. A pivotal milestone in this trajectory is the signing of a substantial $37.4 million contract between the Australian Defence and Lockheed Martin Australia, paving the way for the commencement of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missile production within the country by 2025.

This groundbreaking agreement represents a strategic leap forward, laying the foundation for domestic missile manufacturing on a broader scale. The contract encompasses critical aspects such as the transfer of technical data from the United States, the establishment of meticulous engineering certification processes, and the initiation of skill-building endeavours to cultivate a proficient Australian workforce in this domain.

In tandem with the GMLRS initiative, the Australian Government is set to acquire Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM), capable of engaging targets up to a staggering 500 kilometres away. Both PrSM and GMLRS missiles can be deployed using the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers.

This momentous development is part of a substantial $4.1 billion investment, a commitment made in response to the Defence Strategic Review. The investment aims to empower the Defence sector with additional long-range strike systems while concurrently fostering the domestic production of extended-range munitions within Australia.

This resolute commitment underscores the government’s dedication to not only fortify Australia’s long-range strike capabilities but also to establish a robust domestic missile manufacturing infrastructure. These endeavours align seamlessly with the broader objective of enhancing the Australian Defence Force’s proficiency in defending Australia and its immediate geopolitical sphere.