Australia and Germany to cooperate on guided weapons components

The Australian Government has announced another major step toward establishing domestic manufacturing of priority components for anti-ship cruise missiles, with the signing of a Letter of Intent between Defence and German warhead manufacturer TDW.

The Letter of Intent establishes Defence and TDW’s shared ambition to strengthen guided weapons manufacturing in Australia. Defence and TDW will explore options for the manufacture and maintenance of warheads for the Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile in Australia, creating opportunities for local Australian businesses to enter the global supply chain.

The Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile are modern anti-ship cruise missiles that can be deployed against highly capable enemy warships or land-based targets.

This activity supports the government’s investment of up to $850 million to establish local manufacture and maintenance of both missiles at a new facility near Newcastle, in partnership with Kongsberg Defence Australia. This investment includes up to $137 million dedicated to establishing domestic manufacturing of priority missile components, including warheads.

“This Letter of Intent with TDW marks a major step forward in building a Defence Future Made in Australia that will strengthen the Australian Defence Force, grow our resilience and support our partner nations through exports,” said Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy. “It advances the government’s commitment to establish Australia as a leading Indo-Pacific hub for cutting-edge missile manufacturing, placing local businesses at the forefront to enter global supply chains.”

“This demonstrates how we are working hand-in-hand with proven international partners to strengthen Australia’s sovereign manufacturing of guided weapons and explosive ordnance.”

Image: Artist’s impression of Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile facility at Newcastle. Credit: Department of Defence