Manufacturing capability in Australia’s defence sector has received a boost following a new agreement between Lockheed Martin Australia and the Australian Government to begin local production of key guided weapon components for the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS).
In a news release, Lockheed Martin said the contract will bring Lockheed Martin Australia together with Melbourne-based companies AW Bell and Moog Australia to produce canards and the Control Actuation System (CAS), backing the Government’s aim of strengthening domestic guided weapons manufacturing capability.
The initiative is designed to “uplift Australian industry and open pathways for Australian-made components to enter the global supply chain, supporting export opportunities and long-term industry growth.”
Lockheed Martin Australia’s Director and General Manager, Missiles and Fire Control, James Heading, said the partnerships represent a step forward in developing sovereign capability.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to continue working with these two world-class suppliers to advance genuine sovereign capabilities,” Heading said.
“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.”
Under the arrangement, Moog Australia will design and build the GMLRS Control Actuation System, which uses a control unit and four actuators to position fins around the rocket to improve flightpath accuracy for long-range targets.
The company will also participate in an exchange program with engineers from Australia and the United States aimed at sharing technical knowledge and strengthening long-term capability development.
AW Bell has been selected to manufacture the missile’s external fins, known as canards, as well as the housing for the CAS. Lockheed Martin said these components involve “very stringent technical requirements,” and that developing local production capacity will support both companies in becoming more competitive within global supply chains.
The companies join Thales and Marand among Australian firms contributing to the Government’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) objectives, which aim to expand domestic manufacturing of advanced defence systems.
Lockheed Martin Australia said it continues to work with government, Defence, industry and academia to establish a sustainable guided weapons manufacturing capability in Australia.
The latest contract follows the commencement of domestic missile manufacturing at Port Wakefield in December 2025 and the first test firing of GMLRS missiles earlier this year.
According to Lockheed Martin, the partnerships are intended to support both local capability development and future international market opportunities as Australia expands its role in advanced defence manufacturing.
