Lockheed Martin Australia has entered into a significant contract with Moog Australia to develop the control actuation system (CAS) for the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS). The CAS is an essential component of the missile’s guidance and flight control system, providing the necessary precision steering and stabilization throughout its trajectory.
As part of this contract, Moog Australia is setting plans into motion for a localized pilot production line specifically for the GMLRS CAS. The company will also collaborate with local industry partners to manufacture key components for the current CAS designs, which aims to enhance Australia’s sovereign defense capabilities while mitigating program risks.
Moog Australia, a subsidiary of the US-based Moog Inc., will leverage embedded engineering expertise from the United States to accelerate the transfer of vital technical knowledge. “We’re excited to contribute to the development of a sovereign missile capability in Australia,” stated Bryan O’Connor, Managing Director of Moog Australia. He expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with Lockheed Martin Australia and the Australian Guided Weapons & Explosive Ordnance team to realize this critical capability.
The GMLRS itself is a principal munition used by the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System and is expected to enter production in Australia later this year. This effort is part of a broader initiative stemming from a 37.4 million Australian dollar (approximately $24.3 million) agreement signed between the Australian government and Lockheed Martin in 2024. Thales Australia has been designated as the primary supplier of rocket motors and explosive warheads for the domestically manufactured GMLRS missiles.
With a range exceeding 70 kilometers (43 miles), GMLRS missiles have proven to be highly effective in operational scenarios, including their use in Ukraine. Australia plans to ramp up production to as many as 4,000 missiles annually, a volume that would constitute over a quarter of current global GMLRS output and more than ten times the current demand from the Australian Defence Force.
The decision to enhance munitions production comes amid rising defense concerns driven by China’s expanding military capabilities and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. As a result, Australia, along with several other nations in the Asia-Pacific region, is significantly increasing its defense spending.
“The region is facing a significant security pivot point,” remarked Mike Gruver, Group Senior Vice President at Moog. He highlighted that Moog is committed to using production as a deterrent, enabling customers and allies to bolster regional capabilities. The initiation of GMLRS production marks a strategic milestone in this effort.
