Australia to produce first GMLRS batch by March 2026

Australia aims to produce 4,000 GMLRS missiles per year from 2029. (US Army)

Australia is scheduled to produce the first batch of Lockheed Martin Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missiles by March 2026, an Australian Department of Defence (DoD) spokesperson told Janes on 18 December.

According to the spokesperson, the first GMLRS batch will be produced using components imported from the United States. After production, the missiles are scheduled to undergo test firing, the spokesperson added.

Janes understands that assembly of the first batch of missiles made from US-sourced components will be overseen by the US Army to ensure the qualification and certification of Australian production lines to meet US standards.

The GMLRS missiles will be produced at a factory that opened in early December in Port Wakefield, South Australia. The facility is currently capable of producing 300 missiles per year and the production volume will increase in subsequent batches, the spokesperson said.

According to the spokesperson, Lockheed Martin Australia (LMA) and the DoD are working with Australian industry to certify domestic suppliers to integrate GMLRS and other missile components into US-led global supply chains.

“LMA has already awarded contracts to multiple Australian suppliers including Thales Australia, AW Bell, Marand, and Moog Australia with over 60 small to medium businesses identified for potential integration into the broader Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) supply chain.

“This will allow for Australian-made GMLRS missiles to progressively incorporate more components from Australian suppliers,” the spokesperson added.

As part of the GWEO Plan the Australian government intends to construct a new high-rate production Australian Weapons Manufacturing Complex (AWMC), which is envisaged to possess the capability to produce up to 4,000 GMLRSs a year, the spokesperson said.