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The industry cooperatives will work alongside Raytheon Australia and Lockheed Martin Australia to build sovereign guided weapons capability.
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The Commonwealth government this morning (Tuesday, 5 April) appointed Raytheon Australia and Lockheed Martin Australia as strategic partners for the Commonwealth government’s $1 billion sovereign Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise (GWEO).
The global prime contractors will be supported by a number of Australia-based industry cooperatives, including the Sovereign Missile Alliance (SMA) – a joint venture between Nova Systems and Electro Optic Systems (EOS) – and the Australian Missile Corporation (AMC) – a group led by Queensland-based munitions company NIOA.
Jim McDowell, Nova Systems CEO, said SMA would leverage its experience to build greater self-reliance in the high-tech guided weapons space.
“The enterprise will bring operational sovereignty to Australia, which in the case of guided weapons, is about removing the risks of losing access to, or control over these essential weapon systems,” he said.
Ben Greene, group CEO at EOS added, “SMA expects to contribute its experience in optimising ordnance readiness to enhance available missile inventory, as well as contribute to the progressive alignment and evolution of GWEO technology with sovereign requirements going forward.”
SMA is expected to leverage a workforce of 1,000 local employees, an annual revenue of more than $500 million, and $40 million in research and development.
Robert Nioa, CEO of NIOA, also welcomed the opportunity to work alongside global defence primes in support of the GWEO strategy.
“This is the beginning of an exciting opportunity to pioneer a high-tech defence manufacturing sector that will create jobs, drive innovation and build critical sovereign capability,” he said.
“The AMC is looking forward to working with our industry partners, combining our extensive capabilities and experience to deliver the best of breed technology to the ADF.’’
New CEO appointed
NIOA has also announced the appointment of Royal Australian Navy Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Lee Goddard as CEO of the AMC.
During his 34-year career, RADM Goddard commanded the Anzac Class frigates, HMAS Parramatta and HMAS Perth, and also served at sea in Canadian, Malaysian and US Navy warships and on operations in the Middle East, South China Sea and Border Protection.
Most recently, RADM Goddard served as Commander, Maritime Border Command, leading Operation Sovereign Borders.
“We are delighted to appoint Lee to what will be a pivotal role,’’ Nioa said.
“As well as his extensive leadership qualities, Lee brings an extraordinary combination of military and commercial experience to the AMC which will be invaluable as the enterprise transitions to a work program.’’
RADM Goddard welcomed the opportunity to lead AMC’S sovereign GWEO initiative.
“Building an in-country smart munitions industry will be a huge and complex undertaking. The AMC is excited about the potential this has to stimulate the defence industry,” RADM Goddard said.
“Over the longer term, this project will help create new manufacturing opportunities for Australians and pioneering technologies that can be developed and exploited in Australia.”
RADM Goddard will work alongside AMC’s advisory board, chaired by former defence minister Christopher Pyne.
[Related: Defence fast-tracks long-range missile procurement, announces GWEO partners .]
