The GMLRS as fired from the HIMARS long-range artillery system has seen extensive use by Ukraine against Russian forces. Photo: Lockheed Martin.
Two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) have been signed by the Federal Government and the US to enhance Australia’s guided munition stocks and local production capabilities.
The first MoU will enable the assembly of a first batch of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rounds in Australia from later this year through the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) partnership with Lockheed Martin Australia, and for the eventual co-production of up to 4000 GMLRS rounds for the global market.
The second MoU will see intellectual property transferred from the US to Australia to enable local production of 155 mm M795 howitzer and cannon ammunition for the Australian Army, US Army, and US Marine Corps.
Forged amid growing uncertainty surrounding the future of ongoing bilateral exports between the US and Australia, the MoUs are key milestones for Australia’s ambitions to make itself more self-reliant in the production and supply of complex weapons systems through the government’s Sovereign Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) initiative.
The GMLRS is fired from the long-range M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), which Australia and many other nations are buying, and which has seen extensive use in Ukraine.
The 155 mm artillery ammunition is fired from Australia’s new AS9 Huntsman self-propelled and existing M777 towed howitzers, and is fast becoming the standard calibre artillery ammunition for most Western countries and allies.
The MoU announcement comes just days after Australia was approved by the US State Department to acquire an additional 300 GMLRS rounds under a $US91.2m ($A147m) deal.
Minister for Defence Richard Marles said the government had been determined to see the local manufacturing of guided missiles in Australia, adding that it was good for the ADF and the defence industry.
“This is something that Minister Conroy and I have been determined to deliver and prove that our actions match our words when it comes to GWEO,” Mr Marles said.
Local assembly of GMLRS rounds will reduce Australia’s reliance on foreign suppliers. Photo: US Army.
Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy said the announcement delivered on the government’s commitment to a future made in Australia.
“It not only makes Australia safer but takes us towards being more self-sufficient while creating hundreds of well-paid, skilled jobs for locals,” he said.
“The Albanese Government is committed to reprioritising Defence capabilities in line with the National Defence Strategy, including developing the ADF’s ability to precisely strike targets at longer range.
“This is an important step towards the establishment of domestic guided weapons manufacturing in Australia. It will complement the acquisition of long-range precision-strike capabilities and strengthen the ADF’s ability to protect Australia and its interests.”
