Overview

• Pat Conroy announced a signed statement of intent with the United States and Lockheed Martin to co-produce GMLRS and Precision Strike Missiles in Australia, with an Alabama office to support the project.
• Domestic production is slated to start by year-end, with capacity targeted at up to 4,000 missiles annually, including supply to U.S. defense requirements.
• Australia and Lockheed Martin are also working on a next-generation Precision Strike Missile with ranges reported in excess of 1,000 kilometers.
• Weapons built in Australia will be exportable through a U.S.-led supply chain, subject to Canberra’s export controls and end-user approvals.
• Conroy said another $1 billion AUKUS payment to strengthen U.S. submarine shipyards is due shortly as the Pentagon review continues and Canberra signals confidence in the pact.