
A US Army HIMARS launches a GMLRS round during Exercise ‘Eager Lion' in Jordan in 2017. (US Army/Sgt 1st Class Steven Queen)
Lockheed Martin Australia (LMA) and Thales Australia have tested Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) warheads at the Thales-operated Mulwala munitions facility in New South Wales.
LMA said on 13 December that the test detonations featured four locally designed warheads. It added, “The warhead tests saw the use of a range of new materials and manufacturing techniques and the comparative testing of multiple designs, which will serve as the foundation for future developments.”
LMA added that the tests were part of an internal research and development project aiming to provide options for guided weapons production capability from 2025.
Thales Australia's key account manager for Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Duncan Watt said, “This successful demonstration of a GMLRS-relevant high-explosive warhead underscores the accelerated progress achieved through our collaborative teaming agreement with Lockheed Martin.”
Under this LMA-Thales Australia teaming agreement – signed in September 2024 – the two companies agreed to develop solid-fuel rocket motors (SRMs) and warheads for the GMLRS.
The agreement is aligned with the Australian Department of Defence's (DoD's) GWEO Enterprise, a programme that prioritises long-range strike capability and domestic weapons manufacturing. Both companies are classified by the DoD as GWEO strategic partners.
In January 2024 LMA was awarded a AUD37.4 million (USD25.1 million) contract by the DoD to manufacture GMLRS missiles at the Defence Establishment Orchard Hills in western Sydney. Initial GMLRS missiles are expected to be rolled out and test-fired from 2025.
Looking to read the full article?
Gain unlimited access to Janes news and more...