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Australia Advances 155mm Artillery Shells and GMLRS Production to Strengthen Defense Capabilities in Indo-Pacific.
As the Indo-Pacific faces heightened military tensions, the Australian government, under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, is enhancing its defense industry with large-scale domestic production of missiles and munitions. Announced today, the 2024 Australian Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Plan outlines Australia’s strategy to build self-reliant defense capabilities while creating hundreds of jobs.
Australian government reaffirmed its commitment to constructing an Australian facility for Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) production in partnership with Lockheed Martin Australia (Picture source: Australian MoD)
The government has selected Thales as the preferred tender to establish a domestic forging facility for 155mm M795 artillery shells, essential for artillery systems such as the M777A2, widely used by Australia, the United States, and other international partners. This project, to be implemented at government-owned facilities in Benalla, is expected to generate at least 550 jobs and aims to produce 15,000 shells annually by 2028, with potential for up to 100,000 rounds to meet global demand. This will be the first dedicated forge outside the United States to manufacture this type of ammunition, highlighting Canberra's commitment to strengthening its strategic production capabilities.
In parallel, the government reaffirmed its commitment to constructing an Australian facility for Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) production in partnership with Lockheed Martin Australia. This plant, slated to begin operations by 2029, will have the capacity to produce up to 4,000 units annually, representing over a quarter of current global output and more than ten times the annual demand of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). This new facility is expected to create around 70 direct manufacturing jobs and several hundred additional roles in facility development. The GMLRS, a long-range, surface-to-surface precision strike capability, will also be available to international partners, further strengthening Australia’s position in the defense sector.
These projects are part of Australia’s broader ambition to establish a national guided weapons and explosive ordnance enterprise, backed by an investment of up to AUD 21 billion over the next decade. Aligned with the 2024 National Defence Strategy, the plan aims to increase ADF ammunition stockpiles, secure supply chains, and build domestic production capability to meet rapidly evolving strategic conditions. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles emphasized the importance of this program in equipping the ADF with means to deter and respond to potential threats.
Test fire of a development Joint Strike Missile on the US Air Force’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (Picture source: Australian MoD)
Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy underscored the significance of developing a resilient, autonomous industrial base. By scaling up GMLRS production and investing in artillery shell manufacturing, Australia not only strengthens its ability to meet its own defense needs but also those of its international partners. Conroy further emphasized the role of industrial partnerships in achieving the country’s strategic priorities, reaffirming the government’s commitment to collaboration with Lockheed Martin and Thales on these critical projects.
Defense Minister Richard Marles confirmed that the GWEO plan aligns with the government’s goal of transforming the Australian Defence Force into an integrated, conflict-ready force. The defense strategy released in April also calls for developing a fleet of stealth nuclear submarines as part of the trilateral AUKUS agreement with the United States and the United Kingdom. This initiative, which will extend the operational range of the Australian navy to 2,500 km, marks a significant step in strengthening Australia’s deterrent capability.
The 2024 Australian Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Plan represents a strategic shift for Australia, positioning it as a key regional player with an autonomous defense industry. Through international partnerships and strengthened domestic capabilities, Australia is preparing to address the security challenges of the missile age in the Indo-Pacific, ensuring both territorial protection and stability in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.