The Australian government is investing $220 million Australian dollars ($139 million) to boost its local munitions production.
The funding will go to infrastructure redevelopment of two government-owned factories to ensure they can support future production demands, such as 155mm artillery shells.
The factories, managed by defense contractor Thales Australia, will see a 500 percent increase in the size of rocket motors they’re able to manufacture due to the investment.
The move is part of the 2023 Defence Strategic Review, an initiative that sets out to reform the country’s defense structure and priorities.
Boosting Australia’s Arms
The defense department cited specific updates to the factories’ facilities, including non-destructive testing procedures, explosive mixers, and the implementation of Resonant Acoustic Mixing technology which promotes faster and safer production of advanced munitions.
These changes will also boost Australia’s production of the BLU-111 aerial bombs, introduced into service by the Royal Australian Air Force in 2022.
“The ability to bring the BLU-111(AUS) into operational service as an Australian manufactured munition is a significant milestone in boosting Australia’s defense industry manufacturing capability,” Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said.
More Industrial Improvements
Conroy further added that the upgrade will help boost the economy by creating jobs for highly-skilled individuals.
“Improving Australia’s ability to manufacture the munitions our defence force needs is not only critical to meeting the strategic challenges we face as a nation, it will also support local industry and well-paid, skilled local jobs,” he said.
The country’s Defence Strategic Review aims to offset Australia’s recent spending on arms purchased from ally countries like the US.