Lockheed Martin Australia and Thales Australia have successfully tested four locally designed warheads which will inform future work under the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise.
"This is important work. Investment in research and development projects, like this one, serve as a pathfinder to future technology transfer, and advancements in knowledge and capabilities,” said Director and General Manager of Missiles and Fire Control at Lockheed Martin Australia, James Heading.
The warheads were developed and produced in ten weeks by the combined Lockheed Martin and Thales team using internal funds. The testing took place at the Commonwealth owned facility at Mulwala.
"This successful demonstration of a GMLRS-relevant high explosive warhead underscores the accelerated progress achieved through our collaborative Teaming Agreement with Lockheed Martin. This is a significant step towards our vision of establishing domestic manufacturing capabilities for guided weapon warheads in Australia," said Thales Australia’s Key Account Manager for Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance, Duncan Watt.
Results of the tests will be used by both companies when they present GWEO options to Government next year.
"Overall outcomes from the test firing of the demonstration warheads were positive, with results exceeding all expectations," Lockheed Martin Australia stated.