Thales Australia was appointed as the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprises' fourth strategic partner on 30 October with the release of the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Strategic Plan. It joins Lockheed Martin Australia, Raytheon Australia, and Kongsberg Defence Australia as strategic partners to the program.
Under GWEO, Thales Australia will build a 155mm M795 forging capability for Defence. It has also signed an MoU with Lockheed Martin Australia to produce warheads and solid rocket motors for Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets.
"Today’s announcements are proof of the enduring trust between Thales Australia and the Commonwealth.Thales Australia’s down-selection to build, establish and commission the 155mm M795 forging capability at the Commonwealth-owned Benalla Munitions Facility is good news for Australian industry, and good news for Australian workers," said Thales Australia's CEO Jeff Connolly.
“Thales Australia’s partnership with Lockheed Martin is an important step on the pathway to an accelerated sovereign GMLRS capability for the Australian Defence Force.”