Australian Government invests $220 million in local munitions manufacturing

The Australian Government has announced it is investing $220 million in munitions production at factories in Mulwala in New South Wales and Benalla in Victoria.

Developed by Defence, the new Resonant Acoustic Mixing technology in place at Mulwala will produce a broader range of advanced munitions, faster and more safely, according to a press release from the Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy. This will increase the capacity for production of the BLU-111(AUS) aerial bombs, used by the Royal Australian Air Force.

According to the press release, the investment will significantly boost industrial capacity through infrastructure redevelopments at each site, new explosive mixers at Mulwala and enhanced munition manufacturing procedures, including non-destructive testing.

“Improving Australia’s ability to manufacture the munitions our defence force needs is not only critical to meeting the strategic challenges we face as a nation, it will also support local industry and well-paid, skilled local jobs,” Conroy said. “The ability to bring the BLU-111(AUS) into operational service as an Australian-manufactured munition is a significant milestone in boosting Australia’s defence industry manufacturing capability.

“Our investment in these capabilities will accelerate the domestic manufacture of Australia’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance, such as 155 mm artillery ammunition. The Mulwala and Benalla munition factories underpin Australia’s ability to develop critical propellants, explosives and munitions for the Australian Defence Force.”