Lockheed Martin Australia has signed a contract with Defence to begin manufacturing key guided weapon components in support of the government’s commitment to establish an Australian guided weapons industry. Lockheed Martin has partnered with Melbourne companies AW Bell and Moog Australia to deliver canards and the Control Actuation System (CAS) for the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS). Worth $120 million in total, the contract will create dozens of new jobs and open pathways for Australian‑made components to enter the global supply chain, supporting export opportunities and long-term industry growth.
“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.”
Moog will design and build a GMLRS CAS, an advanced system that uses a control unit and four actuators to position fins around the rocket, thereby improving flightpath accuracy when striking long-range‑ targets. Engineers from Australia and the United States will take part in an exchange program to share critical knowledge and skills, supporting long‑term sovereign capability development.
AW Bell has been selected to manufacture the missile’s canards – or exterior fins – and the housing for the CAS. CAS and canards are advanced products with very stringent technical requirements. Commencing the domestic uplift of CAS and canards suppliers will help elevate AW Bell and Moog Australia to be even more competitive in the global supply chain and position the two Australia-based suppliers for future growth here and in international markets.
Moog and AW Bell join Thales and Marand in a growing list of Australian companies working to advance the Government’s Guided Weapons and Explosives Ordnance (GWEO) objectives to manufacture guided weapons in Australia. The partnerships are a great step forward in Australian industry’s capability to supply advanced solutions to serve the needs for both local and global markets.
The contract signing with Defence follows the start of domestic missile manufacturing at Port Wakefield in December 2025 and the first test firing of Lockheed Martin Australia’s GMLRS missiles earlier this year.
Under the government’s 2024 Australian Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Plan, more than $500 million will be invested through to 2030 to boost local manufacturing and increase the use of Australian‑made components.
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said: “This is another example of the Albanese Government’s commitment to a future made in Australia and jobs for locals. This contract backs Australian industry and its capacity to contribute to making world-class capabilities right here at home. The domestic manufacturing of missiles will be complemented by the development of these key component-manufacturing capabilities. This will boost sovereign manufacturing, creating secure jobs and strengthen our national security.”
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