The warhead was manufactured by Northrop Grumman with support from Thales. It is designed for use in Lockheed Martin’s Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System, a precision-guided munition used by the Australian Army’s High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launcher.
GMLRS is capable of striking targets at ranges beyond 70 km. The test was intended to demonstrate a rapid and low-risk pathway toward domestic warhead production in Australia.
The companies said the effort highlighted collaboration across Australia’s defense industry. They also said it showed the ability to design, manufacture and test production-quality warhead technologies in-country.
“This demonstration showcases the strength of Australian industry working together to design, manufacture and test production-quality warhead technologies in-country,” said Jeremy King, Chief Executive Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand.
“It marks an important step forward toward achieving the Commonwealth’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) objectives. Lockheed Martin is committed to our partnership with Thales Australia and Northrop Grumman Australia and to the development of GMLRS-related warheads essential for achieving a sovereign guided weapons capability for Defence,” King said.
Thales Australia and New Zealand Chief Executive Jeff Connolly said the companies are working to establish local manufacturing and improve supply certainty. “Lockheed Martin has established a GMLRS factory in Australia, Northrop Grumman Australia is the OEM of the warhead of choice,” Connolly said.
“Thales Australia is committed to leveraging our enduring and sovereign defence capabilities and to work with both parties and establish in-country manufacturing to increase supply certainty and deliver the Australian Defence Force capability. This demonstration highlights the success of the approach and proves the partners can deliver this system and are on the path to more complex system production,” Connolly said.
Lockheed Martin Australia is a strategic partner in the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance enterprise. The company said it is working with industry partners to accelerate the development and production of guided weapons in Australia.
The project used existing resources and facilities for warhead production. The companies said the approach supports industry uplift, local employment opportunities and economic growth in Australia.
“Northrop Grumman’s production experience, program planning and manufacturing capabilities are well suited to support accelerating sovereign warhead manufacturing in Australia,” said Rob Denney, Northrop Grumman Australia Country Executive.
“In collaboration with Lockheed Martin, Thales Australia, the Commonwealth and local suppliers, we’re committed to accelerating manufacturing of long-range guided weapons and enhancing a sovereign Australian capability that is scalable, affordable and effective,” Denney said.
The companies said overall results exceeded expectations. They said the demonstration showed the value of industry collaboration and positioned the partnership for future success.
