The contract marks the next step in establishing a domestic missile manufacturing industry in Australia. It follows the start of domestic missile manufacturing in December 2025 and the first test firing of Australian-made precision surface-to-surface missiles earlier this year.
Lockheed Martin Australia will initially work with two Melbourne companies, Moog Australia and AW Bell, to deliver key parts for the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System missile system. The contract is expected to create dozens of new jobs and open pathways for Australian-made components to enter the global supply chain.
Moog Australia has been selected to design and build the GMLRS Control Actuation System. The system helps steer the missile accurately during flight to strike long-range targets with precision.
Engineers from Australia and the United States will take part in an exchange program to share critical knowledge and skills. The government and Lockheed Martin Australia said this will support long-term sovereign capability development.
AW Bell has been selected to manufacture the missile’s canards, or exterior fins, and the housing for the Control Actuation System. The company is currently developing test versions of the canards.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to continue working with these two world-class suppliers to advance genuine sovereign capabilities,” said James Heading, Director and General Manager, Missiles and Fire Control, Lockheed Martin Australia.
“AW Bell and Moog have strong reputations as suppliers of precision components and systems for Defence and industry. This ongoing work with Lockheed Martin Australia opens up opportunities for other potential projects and future export pathways,” Heading said.
The Australian Government said the domestic manufacturing of missiles will be complemented by the development of key component-manufacturing capabilities. It said the contract reinforces the aim of creating a future made in Australia.
“This is another example of the Albanese Government’s commitment to a future made in Australia and jobs for locals. This contract backs Australian industry and its capacity to contribute to making world-class capabilities right here at home,” said Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy.
“The domestic manufacturing of missiles will be complemented by the development of these key component-manufacturing capabilities,” Conroy said.
“This will boost sovereign manufacturing, creating secure jobs and strengthen our national security,” Conroy added.
Lockheed Martin Australia said the Control Actuation System and canards are advanced products with strict technical requirements. Starting domestic supplier uplift for these components is intended to make Moog Australia and AW Bell more competitive in global supply chains.
Moog Australia and AW Bell join Thales and Marand in a growing group of Australian companies working to advance the government’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance objectives. The partnerships are intended to strengthen Australian industry’s ability to supply advanced solutions for local and global markets.
Under the government’s 2024 Australian Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Plan, more than $500 million will be invested through to 2030. The funding is intended to boost local manufacturing and increase the use of Australian-made components.
Lockheed Martin Australia said it continues to work with government, Defence, industry and academia to establish a viable guided weapons manufacturing capability in Australia. The company said the latest contract supports sovereign manufacturing, export opportunities and long-term industry growth.
