BAE Systems Australia and European missile group MBDA yesterday announced a collaboration agreement that will support Australia as it establishes its sovereign Guided Weapon and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) capability.
The companies say this collaboration will leverage MBDA’s status as a 'world leading missile provider' and BAE Systems’ local experience and expertise.
The industrial collaboration is a direct response to the Federal Government’s objective to deliver an expanded Guided Weapon capability to the Australian warfighter by introducing a diversified source of supply to the Australian Defence Force that will enhance the local GWEO ecosystem.
The companies say delivery of weapon system capabilities through the collaboration will aim to develop enduring Australian Industry Capability through work package transfer, product assembly and test.
The initial areas of collaboration will focus on the weaponisation of BAE Systems’ Strix Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) to meet the Army, Navy and Air Force capability needs, alongside the development of a skills and capability initiative to upskill and build capacity within the Australian GWEO ecosystem.
The collaboration can also support agreements from UK/Australia bi-lateral discussions, AUKUS dialogue and export opportunities to regional partner nations, according to the companies.
“BAE Systems is delighted to announce a major industrial collaboration with MBDA to establish an enhanced Guided Weapons capability in Australia," BAE Systems Australia Chief Executive Officer Ben Hudson said.
“Our intent is to establish an enduring sovereign Guided Weapons capability that will leverage MBDA’s world leading Guided Weapons portfolio and combine with BAE Systems Australia’s GWEO heritage and expertise.
“This collaboration will enable access to the Australian innovation ecosystem that will deliver the next generation of missile capability to the ADF and allied armed forces globally. Indeed, this collaboration opens the door to future guided weapons being manufactured in part, or in whole, by Australian industry.”
The collaboration will draw on BAE Systems’ established advanced manufacturing footprint and network of industry partners, which delivers a range of GWEO capabilities, including the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) subsystems and Nulka sub-systems operating on NATO, US and Australian warships.
MBDA has a history of supporting Australian defence with sovereign missile capabilities, particularly through the ASRAAM air-to-air missile program for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) that established software testing and hardware-in-the-loop facilities at Edinburgh Parks, South Australia, and deep maintenance facilities at Edinburgh Parks then at Defence Establishment Orchard Hills, NSW.
“Working with BAE Australia to identify and delivery weapon system capability opportunities is an important step for MBDA supporting the growth and sustainment of Australia’s GWEO industrial capability," MBDA Group Business Development Director Paul Mead said.
“We look forward to working with BAE Australia and engaging across Australian government and industry on co-development of future weapons systems and components and delivery of increased sovereign capability, manufacture and support of guided weapons.”