A new guided weapons facility has been established in Port Wakefield to support the production of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missiles for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Set to begin assembly by the end of 2025 using components imported from the United States, the partnership between Defence and Lockheed Martin Australia will generate approximately 20 local manufacturing jobs at the site, and hundreds more across the supply chain.

The development marks a significant milestone in Australia’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise plan that aims to acquire more long-range strike systems and manufacture longer-range munitions in Australia. The new facility will see Australian production of GMLRS All Up Rounds and Launch Pod Containers.

Vice President, Tactical Missiles at Lockheed Martin Paula Hartley welcomed the endeavor to bring advanced manufacturing technology to Australia.

“By establishing domestic production of GMLRS, we are strengthening sovereign capability, ensuring full compatibility with U.S. inventories,” Ms Hartley said.

Over the past year, a team of Australian engineers have undergone specialised training at Lockheed Martin’s missile production facilities in the U.S., which they have applied to supporting the fit-out of the Port Wakefield facility.

“The Australian engineers have trained extensively in the U.S., bringing back cutting-edge expertise and best practices – reinforcing our technology transfer commitments and ensuring Australian talent remains at the forefront of missile engineering.” Premier of South Australia Peter Malinauskas highlighted the incredible momentum across South Australia’s defence sector that continues to create investment, local jobs and opportunities that extend beyond the shipyard at Osborne across all domains.

“Already home to the 10th Brigade – the Australian Army’s long range fires brigade – at RAAF Base Edinburgh, the new facility puts South Australia at the heart of efforts to develop a sovereign missile manufacturing capability,” he said.

The Missile Assembly Facility is located at the Defence Proof and Experimental Establishment north of Adelaide. It will be the only facility in the world outside of the Lockheed Martin facility in Camden, Arkansas to produce GMLRS and enable the qualification and assurance of Australian production lines to US standards.

Importantly, it will keep Defence at the forefront of missile and munitions technology and help grow the skilled workforce needed to conduct missile manufacturing in Australia.

Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy added that the facility deepens collaboration with the United States towards developing a pathway to an enduring guided weapons production capability in Australia.

“This is a significant milestone and a proud moment for Australia,” Minister Conroy said. “This will make us more self-reliant and contribute to our national security.”

This initial phase will result in the co-assembly of the first GMLRS munitions in Australia, with the next phase to move to local production of GMLRS munitions.