Federal government invests in solid rocket motor manufacturing
The federal government has announced it is investing an initial $126.9 million to establish solid rocket motor production in Australia. Solid rocket motors provide the propulsion required for most guided weapons, and are in high demand worldwide.
Northrop Grumman Australia has been selected as the preferred industry partner to help establish domestic solid rocket motor manufacturing. The government says the decision will leverage recently completed upgrades to facilities at the government-owned Mulwala munitions factory in New South Wales in order to fast-track Australian production of critical missile components.
Australia will begin by producing rocket motors for the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missile at Mulwala by 2030, while a dedicated Rocket Motor Manufacturing Complex, designed to deliver high-rate production of multiple types of solid rocket motors, is planned to be operational from 2033.
In addition, Defence will work with DefendTex, Black Sky Industries and Anduril Australia to explore their novel manufacturing methods, with the potential for further opportunities to be extended to other Australian providers once domestic solid rocket motor manufacturing has been established.
The initiative aims to strengthen Australia’s defence supply chains and open new opportunities for Australian SMEs to enter the global market. By partnering with experienced and proven international rocket motor manufacturers, the program will build local industry capability at speed, support Australian businesses and create highly skilled jobs.
“The Albanese government’s investment in rocket motor manufacturing will strengthen Australia’s self-reliance, while supporting our industrial base and creating jobs for locals,” said Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy. “This investment will ensure the Australian Defence Force has reliable, resilient access to the capabilities needed to defend Australia and our immediate region.”
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