Lockheed Martin Australia has signed a Teaming Agreement with Avalon Airport Australia to explore opportunities for the advancement of guided weapons production.
“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," Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand’s Chief Executive, Warren McDonald, highlighted.
"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."
This agreement is in support of the objectives of the Australian Government’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Plan.
“Avalon is proud to partner with Lockheed Martin in this exciting new chapter. 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,” Executive Chairman of Linfox Airports, David Fox, affirmed.
Lockheed Martin Australia will lease a facility, owned by the Avalon Airport, to store essential equipment required for the domestic assembly of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) munitions.
The Australian Army’s recently delivered HIMARS launch vehicles use GMLRS. The test equipment, tooling, jigs and fixtures will be stored at the site before being transported to stand up Defence’s new domestic manufacturing facility.
Avalon Airport Australia is owned and operated by the Linfox Group — allegedly, Asia Pacific’s largest privately-owned logistics company with an established transport and logistics hub that will facilitate and expedite Lockheed Martin’s operational and production requirements.
As a GWEO Strategic Partner, Lockheed Martin Australia is working closely with the Commonwealth, Defence, industry and academia to advance domestic production of guided weapons in Australia.