GWEO progresses as Australia, the US and Lockheed Martin sign Joint Statement of Intent

Australia and the United States have taken another step towards co-production of guided weapons with the signing of a Joint Statement of Intent and the opening of a new joint office to enhance bilateral cooperation in this critical domain.

These initiatives are underpinned by the Albanese Government’s investment of up to $21 billion over the decade to establish a sovereign Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise, boosting our industrial capacity and supporting thousands of jobs in Australia’s defence industry.

The signing today of the Joint Statement of Intent with the United States Department of War and Lockheed Martin Corporation in Washington DC marks a significant milestone in Australia’s efforts to build a sovereign GWEO Enterprise. It also represents a deepening of our strategic partnership with the United States and shared commitment to building a resilient, interoperable and sovereign capability.

The signing of this Joint Statement of Intent paves the way for further co-development and production of critical long-range fires, beginning with variants across the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) family of munitions and Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM).

This statement also acknowledges that for guided weapons manufacturing in Australia to be a viable and sustainable capability, Australia will need to produce guided weapon quantities beyond the demands of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). It also recognises the Australian Government’s objective to manufacture guided weapons that could be integrated into the US-led global supply chain. 

Australia is on track for the production of GMLRS munitions before the end of 2025, with a view to manufacturing more advanced weapons in the future.

The signing of the joint statement comes as Australia and the United States deepen cooperation on the PrSM program with the opening of a joint office in Huntsville, Alabama. The dedicated facility will serve as the central hub for coordination between Australia and the United States on the acquisition and development of the PrSM capability and will oversee its production and sustainment.

PrSM is a long-range missile with a maximum range beyond 500 kilometres and is central to strengthening Australia’s land and maritime strike capability.  

Source: Defence Media