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Breaking News : US and Australia Strengthen Defense Ties with New 155mm Munitions and HIMARS Missile Production Agreements.
On March 19, 2025, the U.S. Army Public Affairs announced that the United States and Australia had strengthened their long-standing defense partnership by signing two pivotal Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) on March 11, 2025. These agreements, which aim to advance collaborative defense manufacturing, mark a significant milestone in strengthening military interoperability and regional security in the Indo-Pacific. The first MOU formalizes a commitment to co-producing 155 mm artillery ammunition, a crucial step in enhancing Australia’s defense manufacturing capabilities and ensuring a steady supply of munitions. The second MOU establishes a co-assembly initiative for the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) for HIMARS, bolstering Australia’s capacity to produce advanced long-range precision strike capabilities while enhancing operational integration with U.S. forces.
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A U.S. Marine Corps HIMARS launcher from the Marine Rotational Force - Darwin relocates to a secure position after launching a Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) during an emergency fire mission as part of Exercise Koolendong at Bradshaw Field Training Area, Northern Territory, Australia, on August 29, 2021. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)
The agreements were signed by Patrick Mason, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology, and Rear Admiral Ian Murray, head of the Australian Defence Staff in Washington. Their completion underscores the deep-rooted military and industrial cooperation between the two nations, reflecting a partnership that extends far beyond diplomatic ties. The United States and Australia have shared decades of military collaboration, intelligence-sharing, and joint operations, dating back to World War II. This enduring alliance has played a crucial role in shaping regional stability, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, where both nations face growing strategic challenges. These new agreements further cement the U.S.-Australia security partnership by enhancing Australia’s self-reliance in munitions production and improving the collective deterrence posture in the region.
The first MOU focuses on the co-production of 155 mm artillery ammunition, a move designed to bolster Australia’s sovereign defense industry while securing a stable and reliable supply of critical munitions. By localizing production, Australia strengthens its ability to respond to evolving security challenges and contributes to the broader global munitions supply chain. This step is vital given the increased demand for artillery rounds worldwide, particularly in light of evolving geopolitical threats. Ensuring a secure, domestic source of ammunition not only enhances Australia’s defense capabilities but also reinforces the broader U.S.-led security framework in the Indo-Pacific.
The second MOU lays the groundwork for co-assembly of the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) for HIMARS, a transformative step in Australia’s efforts to develop an advanced domestic missile industry. HIMARS has proven to be a highly effective and sought-after system in modern warfare, providing rapid, long-range precision firepower. Establishing a local assembly capability for GMLRS strengthens Australia’s long-range strike options and ensures compatibility with U.S. and allied forces in joint operations. This initiative significantly enhances military coordination between the two nations, making the Australian Defence Force (ADF) a more agile and interoperable partner in future conflicts or crisis response scenarios.
Australia’s commitment to HIMARS has been steadily increasing. The U.S. State Department initially approved the sale of 20 HIMARS launchers to Australia in May 2022, a deal that was later expanded to a total of 42 systems, which are scheduled for delivery starting in 2026. This expansion underscores Australia's long-term investment in advanced strike capabilities and its alignment with U.S. and allied force structures. Further strengthening this collaboration, on March 10, 2025, the U.S. State Department approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to Australia of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System-Alternate Warhead (GMLRS-AW) rounds and related equipment, valued at an estimated $91.2 million. This latest approval highlights the continued deepening of the defense procurement relationship between the two nations, ensuring that Australia not only possesses advanced missile systems but also the necessary ammunition to sustain high-intensity operations.
“These agreements go beyond formal commitments—they represent a new era of joint defense manufacturing,” Mason emphasized. “The United States and Australia share a deep history of collaboration, and this initiative reinforces our unwavering commitment to maintaining a secure and stable Indo-Pacific region.”
This latest step reflects the strong foundation of trust and shared strategic interests between the two nations. The agreements align with the objectives outlined in the Australia-United States Ministerial Consultation (AUSMIN) Joint Statement of 2024, which set forth a roadmap for expanding production and sustainment under Australia’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) enterprise. These MOUs are the first tangible outcomes of that commitment, demonstrating significant progress in Australia’s efforts to establish a self-sufficient defense manufacturing sector.
The significance of these agreements extends beyond just Australia and the U.S.; they are a critical development for the entire Oceania region. As geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific continue to evolve, the ability of Australia to produce its own munitions and missile systems enhances not only its own security but also that of its regional allies. The Indo-Pacific is a strategically contested area, with growing competition among major global powers. By increasing its defense manufacturing capabilities, Australia strengthens its role as a key security partner in Oceania, ensuring that regional allies have a more robust and independent defense infrastructure. This move also helps to reduce reliance on overseas suppliers, mitigating risks associated with supply chain disruptions in times of crisis.
The signing of these agreements follows a high-level meeting in February 2025 between U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles. During their discussions, both officials reaffirmed their commitment to expanding defense collaboration, particularly in the domain of guided weapons and explosive ordnance production.
By fostering close cooperation between defense industries, engineers, and military personnel, these agreements not only enhance Australia’s defense posture but also reinforce the U.S.-Australia military alliance for years to come. This collaborative approach is expected to serve as a deterrent against regional threats and further solidify the Indo-Pacific as a zone of stability and security.
As both nations continue to invest in joint defense initiatives, these agreements mark a defining moment in the evolution of their strategic partnership—one that will shape the future of defense production and military readiness in the region.