Lockheed Martin Australia has signed a contract with Defence to begin manufacturing key guided weapon components in Australia, marking another step in the federal government’s push to establish a sovereign guided weapons industry.
The agreement will see Melbourne-based companies AW Bell and Moog Australia supply critical components for the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System, with the work expected to strengthen local manufacturing capability and create future export opportunities.
Under the contract, AW Bell will manufacture the missile’s canards – external fins that help guide the weapon – as well as the housing for the Control Actuation System. Moog Australia will design and build the CAS, an advanced system that uses a control unit and four actuators to position fins around the rocket and improve flightpath accuracy when engaging long-range targets.
Lockheed Martin Australia said the project would help develop domestic expertise in advanced defence manufacturing while positioning Australian suppliers to participate in the global supply chain.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to continue working with these two world-class suppliers to advance genuine sovereign capabilities,” said James Heading, director and general manager, Missiles and Fire Control, Lockheed Martin Australia.
“AW Bell and Moog have strong reputations as suppliers of precision components and systems for Defence and industry. This ongoing work with Lockheed Martin Australia opens up opportunities for other potential projects and future export pathways.”
The program will also include a knowledge-sharing initiative between Australian and United States engineers. Through an exchange program, personnel from both countries will collaborate on the development of the CAS, helping transfer skills and technical expertise to support long-term sovereign capability development.
Lockheed Martin Australia said the highly specialised nature of both the canards and CAS would help elevate the capabilities of AW Bell and Moog Australia, making them more competitive participants in international defence markets.
The two companies join a growing network of Australian manufacturers supporting the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance enterprise. Existing industry partners include Thales and Marand, which are also contributing to the development of domestic guided weapons manufacturing capability.
The contract follows several recent milestones for Australia’s emerging missile manufacturing sector. Domestic missile production commenced at Port Wakefield in December 2025, while Lockheed Martin Australia completed the first test firing of its locally manufactured GMLRS missiles earlier this year.
Lockheed Martin Australia said it continues to work with government, Defence, industry and academia to establish a sustainable guided weapons manufacturing ecosystem capable of supporting both Australian defence requirements and future export markets.
.jpg)
