Australia pausing 155mm procurement due to industry changes

Australian Defence officials said the government has decided to cease the current procurement activity and will refine its 155mm projectile requirements prior to re-approaching the market. Defence remains committed to working with industry to deliver a 155mm M795 forging capability by 2028, producing 15,000 rounds each year with further additional capacity that will be determined as part of the re-approach to market, they said. The 2024 National Defence Strategy and the 2024 Australian Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Plan highlighted the importance of establishing and uplifting Australia’s domestic missile and munitions manufacturing capabilities. The 2024 Integrated Investment Program includes $16 billion-$21 billion over the decade to invest in Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance priorities. In 2023, Defence tendered for the establishment of a domestic forging capability to manufacture 155mm M795 artillery projectiles. Since then, there have been notable changes in the global defence industrial base. This has included a surge in international demand for naval 5-inch and significant increase in global capacity to produce 155mm projectiles. This has required Defence to re-assess its manufacturing approach on 155mm projectiles. In addition, Defence will work with industry to accelerate production of naval 5-inch for the Australian Defence Force, and explore export opportunities to support international partners. Government doubling funding for Pacific Maritime Security Program The Australian government is delivering on its commitment to double funding for the aerial surveillance component of the Pacific Maritime Security Program (PMSP). The PMSP aerial surveillance program supports maritime security for our Pacific partners through the provision of fixed-wing aerial surveillance capabilities and uncrewed aerial vehicles. Defence has recently closed a Request for Tender process to procure the Enhanced Aerial Surveillance Program’s civilian-based fixed-wing aerial surveillance contracted services. The government will now consider all tender submissions and provide an outcome to industry on completion of the process. The PMSP is Australia’s 30-year commitment to investing in maritime security partnerships throughout the Pacific. Defence Industry and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy said: “Australia is proud to be a security partner of choice for Pacific countries. This is another step forward in increasing regional security and enhancing coordination and communication in conjunction with our Pacific partners.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]