Missiles made in Australia will now include more locally-made components as Australia takes the next step in establishing a domestic missile manufacturing industry.
“The domestic manufacturing of missiles will be complemented by the development of these key component-manufacturing capabilities," Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy, said.
“This will boost sovereign manufacturing, creating secure jobs and strengthen our national security.”
The Australian Government has signed a contract with Lockheed Martin Australia to begin domestic manufacturing key guided weapons components, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to establish a sovereign guided weapons industry and a future made in Australia.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to continue working with these two world-class suppliers to advance genuine sovereign capabilities," Director and General Manager, Missiles and Fire Control, Lockheed Martin Australia, James Heading, stated.
“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."
Lockheed Martin will initially work with two Melbourne companies, Moog Australia and AW Bell, to deliver key parts for the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missile system.
Worth $120 million in total, the contract will open pathways for Australian‑made components to enter the global supply chain, supporting export opportunities and long-term industry growth.
Moog has been selected to design and build a GMLRS Control Actuation System (CAS). An advanced system that uses a control unit and four actuators to position fins around the rocket, thereby, Lockheed Martin claims, improving flightpath accuracy when striking long-range‑ targets.
Engineers from Australia and the United States will take part in an exchange program to share critical knowledge and skills, supporting long‑term sovereign capability development.
AW Bell has been selected to manufacture the missile’s canards – or exterior fins – and housing for the CAS. AW Bell is currently developing test versions of the canards.
CAS and canards are advanced products with very stringent technical requirements. Commencing the domestic uplift of CAS and canards suppliers, Lockheed Martin believes, will help elevate AW Bell and Moog Australia to be even more competitive in the global supply chain and position the two Australia-based suppliers for future growth here and in international markets.
Moog and AW Bell join Thales and Marand in a growing list of Australian companies working to advance the Government’s GWEO objectives to manufacture guided weapons in Australia.
The contract signing follows the start of domestic missile manufacturing at Port Wakefield in December 2025 and the first test firing of the Australian-made Lockheed Martin Australia's precision surface-to-surface missiles (PrSM) earlier this year.
Under the Government’s 2024 Australian GWEO Plan, more than $500 million will be invested through to 2030 to boost local manufacturing and increase the use of Australian‑made components.
Lockheed Martin Australia continues to work closely with government, Defence, industry and academia to establish a viable guided weapons manufacturing capability in Australia.