Lockheed Martin Australia has signed a Teaming Agreement with Avalon Airport Australia to advance guided weapons production in line with the federal government’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Plan.
Under the agreement, Lockheed Martin Australia will lease a facility owned by Avalon Airport to store equipment required for the domestic assembly of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) munitions, which are compatible with the Australian Army’s recently delivered HIMARS launch vehicles.
The equipment, tooling, and fixtures will be staged at the site before being moved to Defence’s new domestic manufacturing facility, Lockheed said in a news release.
Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand Chief Executive Warren McDonald said the partnership marks a step toward strengthening Australia’s local manufacturing base.
“This is an important milestone in the delivery of GMLRS production by the end of 2025 and the establishment of a sovereign guided weapons manufacturing capability in Australia,” McDonald said.
“Linfox is a well-known and trusted Australian company with a network of partners across the nation. Our partnership will uplift local industry, provide regional economic benefits, and support government objectives under the GWEO Enterprise.”
Avalon Airport, owned and operated by the Linfox Group, serves as a transport and logistics hub. The company said its existing infrastructure will support Lockheed Martin’s operational and manufacturing requirements.
McDonald noted that the company is also considering a long-term manufacturing presence at the site.
“We are also exploring opportunities to establish a permanent facility at the Avalon Airport for the production and assembly of non-explosive munition components. These Australian-made components will boost domestic supply chain resilience and support industry uplift — underscoring a national commitment to establishing sovereign defence capabilities and strengthening Australia’s industrial base,” explained McDonald.
Linfox Airports Executive Chairman David Fox said the agreement highlights Avalon’s growing role in the defence manufacturing sector.
“Avalon is proud to partner with Lockheed Martin in this exciting new chapter,” Fox said. “This partnership recognises Avalon’s strategic position — leveraging Australia’s most skilled and established industrial workforce, positioned between Melbourne and Geelong and alongside key Defence operations at Point Wilson.”
Fox added that the partnership further embeds Avalon Airport’s role in Australia’s industrial landscape.
“Lockheed Martin Australia’s decision to establish a facility at Avalon further strengthens our growing industrial precinct, which already supports more than 2,000 workers on site. This development underscores Avalon’s critical role in supporting Australia’s sovereign defence capabilities.”
