Lockheed Martin Australia is working with Australian supplier, AFS Corporate Member AW Bell, to progress production verification activities for the manufacture of canards for Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLATS) munitions as part of a demonstration program in partnership with the Commonwealth’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise.

The 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 Defense Industry and Capability Delivery, the Hon Pat Conroy MP, in the Government’s GWEO Plan.

AW Bell is a Melbourne-based company that produces complex metal products with high mechanical properties for aerospace, defense, and other industries. It specializes 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.

“AW Bell is proud to be collaborating with Lockheed Martin on these complex cast and machined components. To be given the opportunity to prove capability in country is a real honor,” said AW Bell CEO Sam Bell. “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.”