Advancing 21st Century Security Deterrence Through Australian Partnerships
Amidst the dynamic shifts in the global security landscape, the importance of advancing deterrence solutions in Australia has never been more pressing. The country's strategic location in the Indo-Pacific region makes it a critical partner in promoting the integration of multi-domain systems for Australia’s current and future defence capabilities.
Lockheed Martin is actively forging ahead with our Australian partners to showcase our 21st Century Security® vision through interoperability and sustained investments in innovative defence solutions.
“We're dedicated to delivering cutting-edge solutions and capabilities to the Australian Defence Force that support mission success and expand our strong partnership,” said Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control President, Tim Cahill.
Integrated Deterrence
Lockheed Martin supports the development of integrated deterrence solutions through the delivery of precision strike systems, such as guided weapons. The Australian Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise brings together Australian industry partners to innovate and manufacture advanced guided weapons that will provide the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with a significant capability edge.
The Commonwealth of Australia formally unveiled the first HIMARS launchers to arrive in country this week at the Avalon Airshow. The land-based launchers, and munitions, are enhancing Australia’s long-range precision strike capabilities.
Dan Fankhauser, Australia’s First Assistant Secretary of Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Manufacturing Division also recently toured Lockheed Martin’s facilities. Fankhauser was privy to our advanced manufacturing capabilities and the cutting-edge munitions slated for co-assembly in Australia as part of the GWEO Enterprise's agenda.
These visits provide opportunities for Australian officials to witness firsthand the innovation, development and manufacturing of advanced precision strike systems, and it allows Lockheed Martin to directly engage on issues related to defence technology and innovation.
Strengthening International Partnerships
Lockheed Martin is committed to providing 21st Century Security® solutions that strengthen our allies’ defense capabilities, maximize industrial participation and support supply chain anti-fragility. A key factor in expanding and solidifying global partnerships is hosting allied defense leaders at MFC facilities, where they can experience our combat-proven capabilities firsthand and deepen their understanding of Lockheed Martin's role as a strategic partner.
An MFC partnership with the ADF continues to strengthen as Lockheed Martin works to achieve the Australian government’s objective to manufacture Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missiles in Australia, commencing in 2025. This objective is part of the GWEO Enterprise, which will allow the ADF to establish domestic manufacturing capabilities in Australia and build up the country's weapon stocks.
In January, Australian Secretary of the Department of Defence Greg Moriarty visited MFC’s Pike County Operations in Troy, Alabama to discuss future capability production and to take a closer look at the site’s world-class munitions manufacturing capabilities.
Discussions between Defence and MFC officials underscored Lockheed Martin's firm commitment to supporting the ADF and the GWEO Enterprise, with a focus on delivering GMLRS, solid rocket motors, and PrSM.
In the same spirit of partnership, members of the Australian media were also invited in December 2024 to the Precision Fires Center of Excellence in Camden, Arkansas. Reporters got the chance to observe HIMARS, ATACMS and GMLRS production lines and see first-hand the capabilities that Lockheed Martin Australia engineers are learning to employ. Those conversations conveyed Lockheed Martin’s track record of growing a skilled local workforce and developing resilient supply chains.
As the global security landscape continues to evolve, the importance of advanced security solutions and defence partnerships between the U.S. military and Australia will only continue to grow, highlighting the need for ongoing investment in innovative defence solutions.
Investment in Innovation
Investment in innovative defence capabilities and technology is critical to maintaining a competitive edge in the Indo-Pacific region, and Lockheed Martin is at the forefront of this effort with a range of initiatives aimed at delivering 21st Century Security® capabilities to Australia.
From precision-guided missiles to cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions, Lockheed Martin is working closely with Australian industry partners to pioneer and integrate emerging technologies that align with Australia’s defence strategy.
In February, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) achieved a significant milestone in its pursuit of advanced maritime strike capabilities. At the Point Mugu Sea Test Range in California, an Australian F/A-18F Super Hornet successfully demonstrated the capability and interoperability of the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) system during an Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) event. This testing milestone marked the final exercise required to declare Initial Operational Capability (IOC) of LRASM for the RAAF.
Following the successful test, The Hon Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister shared in a media release, “Capabilities such as the LRASM will help the Australian Defence Force protect against threats to Australia and our national interests. These weapon systems equip our forces to better protect Australia’s maritime approaches and when necessary, conduct operations in our region. It will be seen across the Super Hornet, Poseidon and F-35 fleets. The successful firing of the LRASM wouldn’t have been possible without the participation of our allies and industry partners, like the United States and Lockheed Martin.”
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has been acquiring the LRASM, design and manufactured by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, to enhance its maritime strike capabilities. The acquisition of LRASM is a major force multiplier for the ADF, enabling precise engagement of surface targets at extended ranges. The F/A-18F will be the first Australian platform to carry and employ LRASM, with plans for future integration on the P-8A.
Through our collaborative endeavours with our Australian partners and a commitment to delivering innovative multi-domain capabilities, Lockheed Martin is developing advanced defence systems, products and services that align with and address the ever-changing needs of our Indo-Pacific allies.