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Thales Australia has welcomed its appointment as a Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) strategic partner under the government’s 2024 Australian GWEO Plan released this week.
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The subsidiary of French multinational corporation Thales Group released a statement on 30 October.
The company also commends today’s announcements by the Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, Pat Conroy, to drive uplift of GWEO industrial capability.
Those factors include Thales Australia’s down-selection to deliver Australia’s first government-owned forging capability for 155mm M795 artillery ammunition, as well as the government’s commitment to establish an Australian facility to manufacture GMLRS missiles in partnership with Lockheed Martin Australia.
“(The) announcements are proof of the enduring trust between Thales Australia and the Commonwealth,” said Jeff Connolly, CEO of Thales Australia and New Zealand.
“Thales Australia’s down-selection to build, establish and commission the 155mm M795 forging capability at the Commonwealth-owned Benalla Munitions Facility is good news for Australian industry, and good news for Australian workers.
“Thales employs over 730 skilled staff at Mulwala and Benalla to manufacture munitions systems for the ADF and international partners. We also have an established regional supply chain with over 650 local suppliers providing solutions to key chemicals, components and materials.
“The Commonwealth-owned facilities at Mulwala and Benalla are the envy of the world; most nations shut their facilities at the end of the Cold War. Without these facilities, we would be unable to manufacture key GWEO capabilities, such as 155mm M795 artillery ammunition and GMLRS missiles.
“This an example of the strong partnership between government and the private sector in keeping these factories relevant – including considerable investment of approximately $30 million from Thales in particular.
“Thales Australia’s partnership with Lockheed Martin is an important step on the pathway to an accelerated sovereign GMLRS capability for the Australian Defence Force.”
The 2024 Australian GWEO Plan is critical to boosting the domestic manufacture of missiles and munitions and supporting the uplift of GWEO stockpiles in Australia. Thales Australia looks forward to working with the Commonwealth and industry partners to rapidly deliver domestic missile manufacturing and accelerate the acquisition of long‑range strike over the next decade.
Thales Australia’s 155mm M795 forging solution will build on the existing forge capability at Benalla and will be the only capability outside the United States that meets the requirements of the Australian Defence Force, the United States military and other international partners.
Thales Australia has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Lockheed Martin Australia to advance the development and production of the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) in Australia.
