By David Tuffley, Griffith University In a significant blow to Australia’s defence capabilities, the federal government is cancelling what would have been the nation’s largest-ever space project: a A$7 billion military satellite communications system. The decision was confirmed in a press statement today. It comes just 18 months after the Albanese government gave the green…
By Peter Roberts It has been a long while coming, but after 29 months in office the federal government has released a Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Plan. A recommendation of the Defence Strategic Review, the government has been meanwhile buying new weapons overseas and supporting local manufacture of some missiles and munitions. It has…
The federal government today committed to two new Australian defence factories – one to manufacture Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS, pictured), and the second a new 155mm artillery ammunition forging plant. The government did not reveal the cost of the new plants, except to say they were part of the Guided Weapons and Explosive…
Space systems and satellite sector manufacturer Inovor Technologies has become the latest company to graduate from the Lockheed Martin Mentor Protégé Program which mentors the leadership teams of key defence suppliers to the company. Inovor joins Clearbox Systems, the first supplier to graduate outside the US, and Silentium Defence which have also benefitted from the…
GT Recycling officially opens Geelong soft plastics plant Geelong, Victoria’s GT Recycling has officially opened its soft plastics recycling facility in a ceremony attended by local MPs. The $4.7 million facility is supported by a $3 million federal government grant. The new facility marks a major milestone in the fight against plastic waste, turning recycled…
Lockheed Martin Australia and Thales Australia have signed a Teaming Agreement which could lead to the development and production of Solid Rocket Motors (SRM) for the Australian market. The purpose of the agreement is to collaborate, qualify and produce Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) Solid Rocket Motors and other components in support of the…
Birdon progresses new boats for the Netherlands Birdon Group is progressing the build of Bridge Erection Boats (BEBs) for the Netherlands Army, with six Birdon BEBs in the final stages of assembly and delivery scheduled for the end of September. Birdon just performed a sea trial on the first boat – hull number 007 (pictured)…
Passive radar manufacturer Silentium Defence has delivered the first tranche of sensor systems for Australia’s Joint Air Battle Management System, AIR6500 being developed by Lockheed Martin Australia. The Silentium Defence MAVERICK passive radar system provides a 3D capability that enables instantaneous, wide-field-of-view surveillance, according to a statement. It also supports tracking of targets with higher…
The federal government has signed a $500 million contract with Lockheed Martin Australia to deliver the next phase of the Joint Air Battle Management System that synchronises air and missile defence operations across air, sea and land operations. LMA was named in October as the strategic partner to deliver the project, known as AIR6500, which…
The first Australian produced Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missiles – well known for their use by Ukraine – will be produced at a facility in western Sydney by the end of 2024, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal. The article, which details US efforts to boost missile manufacturing by its…
