Australia's new forging capability to support ADF, allies in Indo-Pacific

M795 projectiles produced in the Maryborough facility will support ADF artillery systems, including the M777A2 howitzer (pictured). (Gordon Arthur)

Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions (RNM) – a joint venture between Germany's Rheinmetall Waffe Munition and Australia's NIOA – is establishing a new large-calibre ammunition forging capability in Australia to support the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and allied forces in the Indo-Pacific.

An NIOA spokesperson told Janes on 25 June that Canberra's recently announced contract with RNM to establish domestic 155 mm M795 munitions production reflects demand for “reliable sovereign sources of critical munitions”. “To be a credible regional deterrent, Australia must contribute strongly to allied industry,” the spokesperson said.

Australia's Department of Defence (DoD) announced the AUD72 million (USD49.6 million) contract earlier in June, saying that under the deal RNM will forge 155 mm M795 projectiles at the contractor-owned, contractor-operated facility in Maryborough, Queensland.

The NIOA spokesperson said the RNM forge in Maryborough currently produces 3,000 European-variant 155 mm artillery cases per month. The new contract with the ADF will enable the facility to manufacture the M795 (US variant) round, with a minimum requirement of 15,000 rounds per year, the spokesperson added.

Under the 2026 Integrated Investment Program (IIP), 155 mm artillery has been identified as a Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) priority.

The M795 projectiles produced under the new contract will support ADF platforms, including the M777A2 lightweight towed howitzer and the AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzer, the DoD has said.

The spokesperson said the capability will strengthen Australia's sovereign munitions supply.