Australia will make its own missiles in 2025 – Conroy

The federal government will deliver a fully costed and detailed plan next year on how it will build critical guided weapons in Australia, according to Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy.

Speaking at the Hunter Defence Conference Conroy said the government was working with industry, including Defence’s strategic partners, Lockheed Martin Australia and Raytheon Australia, to develop the plans for domestic manufacture of guided weapons and explosive ordnance.

Conroy said: “Government will consider these plans early next year.

“Some have asked whether this is another review – nothing could be further from the truth.”

Conroy said that as part of the $4.1 billion over the forward estimates for the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise identified as a priority in the Defence Strategic Review, Canberra had already committed to manufacturing Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System missiles – or GMLRS.

In use in Ukraine to great effect, the systems are being introduced into the Australian Army, along with the associated HIMARS launchers.

“Our intent is to manufacture a limited number of GMLRS missiles by 2025, moving to a higher rate of production from 2026.

“And the US has committed to transfer technical data for the M795 155mm artillery shell in support of future production in Australia.

“Australian industry already produces a range of munitions including small-calibre ammunition, aircraft bombs, military-grade explosives and some components for guided weapons.

“Defence is working with industry partners to develop plans for a significant expansion of these industrial capabilities.”

Last month at the Australia–US Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) talks, Australia agreed to collaborate on a flexible guided weapons production capability, which would boost local stocks, relieve shared supply chain pressures, supplement US holdings, and expand the combined industrial power of the AUKUS alliance.

Conroy said the government’s Defence Industry Development Strategy would be a critical step in delivering reforms to defence industry identified in the Defence Strategic Review.

“It will establish the framework and principles for the direction of defence industry policy, and will be delivered by the end of the year.

“In particular, it will articulate the strategic rationale for a defence industrial base, more detailed and targeted Sovereign Industrial Capabilities, and the critical procurement reforms needed to deliver the capabilities we need.”

Picture: Pat Conroy