A key feature of the plan is an $850 million partnership with Kongsberg Defence Australia to establish a facility in Williamtown, near Newcastle, for manufacturing and maintaining the Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile by 2027. Additionally, $37.4 million will be invested with Lockheed Martin Australia for the initial domestic production of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) from 2025.
Australia is also committing to a $7 billion agreement with the United States to acquire advanced long-range missiles, specifically the Standard Missile 2 Block IIIC (SM-2 IIIC) and the Standard Missile 6 (SM-6). To expedite capabilities, $142 million will be allocated for the accelerated acquisition of the Joint Strike Missile, with deliveries anticipated to begin in 2025.
A forward-looking investment of up to $60 million over five years is dedicated to developing hypersonic and long-range strike technology. Furthermore, $22 million will be allocated over three years to explore industry options for establishing a domestic rocket motor manufacturing facility.
Site assessments for the new missile manufacturing complex are already underway, with plans for the facility to be operational by 2029. This complex will not only enhance Australia’s defence capabilities but also support production for trusted regional and global partners.
Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, the Hon Pat Conroy MP, emphasised the plan’s importance for the Australian defence sector. “The 2024 Australian GWEO Plan will provide defence industry with the clarity and confidence it needs to help increase defence materiel resilience and sovereign capability,” he said.
Highlighting the collaborative approach, Minister Conroy stated that industry partnerships are pivotal for boosting stockpiles and meeting growing defence demands. The investments signal Australia’s commitment to strengthening its strategic defence position through self-reliant and advanced capabilities.
