US Approves $91.2 Million Sale of Precision-Guided Munitions to Australia

The United States has approved a potential sale of precision-guided munitions to Australia, valued at approximately $91.2 million. This agreement includes the provision of 54 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems-Alternate Warhead (GMLRS-AW) rounds, telemetry kits, engineering services, and related support.

The GMLRS-AW is a type of rocket designed for precision strikes in various weather conditions. It carries a fragmentation warhead containing around 160,000 preformed tungsten fragments, which helps minimize the risks associated with unexploded ordnance. This munition is compatible with Australia's existing M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and can also be launched from the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS).

Lockheed Martin and its Australian counterpart, Lockheed Martin Australia, are the principal contractors for this sale. In January 2024, Australia signed a $24-million agreement with Lockheed Martin to commence domestic production of GMLRS missiles by 2025. This initiative involves assembling components sourced from the United States. The agreement was later expanded to include the manufacturing of rocket motors and warheads for the Australian-produced GMLRS munitions, with Thales Australia supplying these components.

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency has stated that this proposed sale will support Australia's goal of enhancing its national and territorial defense, improving interoperability with U.S. forces, and fostering the development of its defense industry as a new source of supply.

This development underscores the strengthening defense ties between the United States and Australia, reflecting a shared commitment to regional security and cooperation.