The first batch of missiles produced at the site is expected to be completed by mid-March. The facility is the first location outside the United States to manufacture GMLRS rockets.
The Australian government plans to expand the program with a separate high-rate production facility. The long-term goal is to reach an output of 4,000 missiles annually by 2029.
Officials say domestic manufacturing is intended to improve resilience and reduce dependence on international supply chains. The approach is designed to ensure Australia can continue producing missiles even if global logistics networks are disrupted during a conflict.
Director General Guided Weapons Production Capability Brigadier Jim Hunter said the program represents an important shift toward sovereign defense capability. “In the past, we’ve largely bought our weapons off the shelf, with orders taking years to arrive,” he said.
Hunter added that the new production effort aims to match existing U.S. manufacturing standards. “Our intention is to ensure we are building guided weapons to the exact same standard as the weapons rolling off the production lines in the US.”
The GMLRS missile serves as the primary weapon used by the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System. The system provides precision strike capability at ranges of up to 70 kilometers.
Unlike standard artillery rockets, the GMLRS uses guidance kits and control systems to adjust its course in flight. This technology enables precision engagement of targets at extended distances.
Australia’s long-term plans also include manufacturing the Precision Strike Missile. Future versions of that weapon are expected to strike targets at ranges exceeding 1,000 kilometers.
The current phase of GMLRS production is focused on reducing technical risks. This stage is intended to certify manufacturing processes, training, equipment, and production techniques.
Initially, some components used in the missiles will continue to be supplied from the United States. However, the government plans to progressively shift production of parts to Australian industry.
Brigadier Hunter said local industry will gradually assume a larger role in the manufacturing process. “We have programs engaging with Australian industry to start building the parts, so that we get to a point where we could manufacture guided weapons from tip to tail.”
The guided weapons production initiative is one of five major manufacturing efforts underway in Australia. It forms part of a broader national investment in defense manufacturing.
The government plans to invest up to $21 billion over the next decade in the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance enterprise. The funding is intended to expand domestic capabilities in advanced weapons production.
Hunter said the initiative also reflects strategic recommendations aimed at strengthening deterrence. “By having the capacity for the domestic manufacture of these weapons, Australia will have increased its resilience and ability to hold adversaries at risk, thus enabling the deterrence effects that underpin the National Defence Strategy.”
