Australia establishes domestic GMLRS missile production
Lockheed Martin Australia and the Australian Department of Defence launch local manufacturing of guided rockets at a new Port Wakefield facility to support sovereign defence capability.
landforces.com.au
Australia has begun local production of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missiles following the commissioning of a purpose-built manufacturing facility at Port Wakefield, South Australia. The initiative is led by Lockheed Martin Australia in cooperation with the Australian Department of Defence, supporting the country’s objective to establish a sovereign guided weapons industry.
Context of the cooperation
The program forms part of Australia’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise and the broader “Future Made in Australia” policy framework. The cooperation addresses the need to strengthen domestic defence manufacturing capacity, reduce reliance on overseas supply chains, and ensure assured access to long-range strike munitions for the Australian Defence Force.
GMLRS is a precision-guided munition used in long-range fires applications and has been introduced into Australian Army service as part of its modernisation efforts. Establishing domestic production supports operational readiness while aligning with national industrial policy objectives.
Technical solution and responsibilities
Lockheed Martin Australia is responsible for establishing and operating the GMLRS production line, drawing on technology transfer, manufacturing processes, and quality assurance frameworks developed within Lockheed Martin’s global missile programs. The Australian Department of Defence provides program oversight and integration with capability planning under the GWEO Enterprise.
The Port Wakefield facility was designed and constructed by Indigenous-owned Intract Australia and completed in under seven months, enabling production to commence within the government’s planned schedule.
Deployment and implementation
Manufacturing is scheduled to begin by the end of 2025. The facility will initially create approximately 20 on-site manufacturing roles and support several hundred additional jobs across the Australian defence supply chain, including materials, logistics, testing, and support services.
To accelerate capability establishment, an initial group of Australian workers completed training at Lockheed Martin’s GMLRS production site in Camden, Arkansas. This training supports knowledge transfer and ensures local manufacturing meets established technical and quality standards.
Applications and strategic impact
Port Wakefield will become only the second location worldwide to manufacture GMLRS missiles outside the United States. This positions Australia as a regional production hub, strengthens defence industrial cooperation between Australia and the US, and enables future export opportunities subject to government approvals.
The initiative contributes to the Australian Government’s planned investment of approximately AUD 21 billion over the next decade in long-range strike systems and domestically manufactured munitions. By establishing local production capability, the program supports supply chain resilience, workforce development, and sustained operational support for advanced land-based strike systems.
The Port Wakefield facility represents a foundational step in building Australia’s sovereign guided weapons manufacturing capability while integrating with allied defence production networks.
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