Lockheed Martin Australia is working with Australian supplier, AW Bell, to progress production verification activities for the manufacture of canards for GMLRS munitions as part of a demonstration program in partnership with the Commonwealth’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise.
This demonstration program is the first GWEO Enterprise-funded activity designed to help identify and uplift Australian industry as a potential source for GMLRS and future missile manufacturing opportunities. This aligns with the Australian Government’s objectives to develop local industry capability and increase industrial resilience as outlined by Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy in the Government’s GWEO Plan.
AW Bell is a Melbourne-based company that produces complex metal products with high mechanical properties for aerospace, defence, and other industries.
The company specialises in advanced castings manufacturing and precision machining and this tasking gives them the opportunity to progress the production verification of the GMLRS canards through a domestic manufacture demonstrator process.
Lockheed Martin will work closely with AW Bell to identify any required tooling or equipment to perform the scope and develop manufacturing techniques to meet product specifications.
“As a GWEO Strategic Partner, Lockheed Martin is excited to work with AW Bell on GMLRS canards and continue to develop genuine sovereign capabilities,” said Lockheed Martin GM James Heading. “AW Bell has a strong reputation as a world-class supplier of precision parts for defence and industry, making them a key partner for this and other potential projects, whilst also opening up future export pathways”.
“Canards are a product with very stringent technical requirements. Commencing the domestic uplift of a GMLRS canards supplier will help elevate AW Bell to be more competitive in the global supply chain and better position another Australia-based supplier for future growth here and in international markets,” he said.
“AW Bell is proud to be collaborating with Lockheed Martin on these complex cast and machined components,” said AW Bell CEO Sam Bell. “To be given the opportunity to prove capability in country is a real honour. We are passionate about building sovereign independence and strengthening the Australian manufacturing industrial base. This is a great step forward in showcasing Australian capability to supply advanced solutions that serve the needs of both local and global markets. We are excited by the relationship ahead with Lockheed Martin and appreciate their support of local manufacturers.”
