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The locally based prime contractor has partnered with Olin Winchester in a bid to assure munitions supply for the ADF.
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NIOA has signed a long-term contract with small arms ammunition supplier Olin Winchester, which recently assumed control of the US Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Missouri that produces more than 1.2 billion rounds of ammunition annually.
The agreement aims to assure supply of munitions for existing small calibre weapons used by the Australian Defence Force, as well as new systems to be introduced under the LAND 159 Soldier Lethality Program.
NIOA CEO Robert Nioa noted the significance of the agreement.
“As one of the world’s most recognised brands and a leading manufacturer of small arms munitions, NIOA looks forward to working with Winchester,” he said.
“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.’’
Winchester president Brett Flaugher added, “We are proud to see the beginning of this arrangement with NIOA.
“Our two teams share similar values including quality, reliability and innovation, ensuring our servicemen and women always have the best equipment.”
This latest agreement, which forms part of NIOA’s Commonwealth Major Munitions Contract (MMC), builds on the prime’s delivery of 30mm ammunition for the Boxer combat vehicle, to the 81mm mortar fleet and 120mm Abrams tank rounds.
NIOA is expected to invest over $130 million over the next five years in domestic munitions and explosives manufacturing, including an expansion of its 8,000-square-metre Brisbane engineering, research and development facility, a 10-year co-tenancy at the Benalla munitions plant in regional Victoria, and a $60 million artillery shell forging plant in Maryborough.
[Related: NIOA welcomes former defence minister to head advisory board]
