NIOA and Winchester team up to supply ADF

Defence Prime NIOA has signed a long-term supply contract with the world’s largest small arms ammunition enterprise, shoring up the Australian Defence Force as it moves towards the future. With Olin Winchester recently taking over management of the massive US Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Missouri, the new agreement with NIOA assures supply of munitions for existing small calibre weapons used by Aussie soldiers,  as well as new systems to be introduced under the LAND 159 Soldier Lethality Program. The Queensland-based company has been supporting the ADF under its Commonwealth Major Munitions Contract (MMC) for several years with ammunition from Lake City. The 16-square-kilometre mega-plant has been producing ammunition for the US military since 1941, and turns out more than 1.2 billion rounds annually. NIOA Chief Executive Officer Robert Nioa said the Winchester contract was an important milestone for the business. “Firstly, we congratulate Winchester on being selected to manage the Lake City plant,” Nioa said. “As one of the world’s most recognised brands and a leading manufacturer of small arms munitions, NIOA looks forward to working with Winchester. The ADF requires an assured supply of munitions that are interoperable with Australia’s key allies. NIOA’s collaboration with Winchester and the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant will combine our global and local expertise to provide surety to the ADF and the Australian war fighter.” The NIOA-Winchester-Lake City contract builds on NIOA’s other recent successes under the MMC, from 30mm ammunition for the Boxer combat vehicle to the 81mm mortar fleet and 120mm Abrams tank rounds. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Director of Sales Graham Joss at [email protected]