Stories by Max Blenkin

Lockheed, Thales team to produce Aussie-made GMLRS munitions

Lockheed, Thales team to produce Aussie-made GMLRS munitions
Lockheed, Thales team to produce Aussie-made GMLRS munitions

Thales Australia, a subsidiary of the French parent, will manufacture rocket motors and warheads for Lockheed Martin’s GMLRS missiles produced in the Lucky Country.

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As Australia weighs future fleet, international shipbuilders make their pitches

As Australia weighs future fleet, international shipbuilders make their pitches
As Australia weighs future fleet, international shipbuilders make their pitches

Four companies have so far announced options for what could be a larger fleet of smaller vessels.

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Australian watchdog blasts military on new warship decision

Australian watchdog blasts military on new warship decision
Australian watchdog blasts military on new warship decision

The Lucky Country’s national audit office says the Department of Defence didn’t follow proper protocol in making the multi-billion-dollar selection.

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Australian budget: Historic defense spending, plus AU$1.2B on US-made missiles

Australian budget: Historic defense spending, plus AU$1.2B on US-made missiles
Australian budget: Historic defense spending, plus AU$1.2B on US-made missiles

Overall, the defense budget for the next year is set at AU$52.588 billion, the first time funding has exceeded AU$50 billion.

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Aussie firm jumps in high-energy laser game, aiming for deals down under

Aussie firm jumps in high-energy laser game, aiming for deals down under
Aussie firm jumps in high-energy laser game, aiming for deals down under

Matt Jones, an executive at Electro Optic Systems, told Breaking Defense the company’s container-based 36-kilowatt laser is ready to deploy.

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In China’s shadow, new Australian defense review focuses on denial, long-range weapons

In China’s shadow, new Australian defense review focuses on denial, long-range weapons
In China’s shadow, new Australian defense review focuses on denial, long-range weapons

The review also takes Australia’s acquisition strategy to task, saying it’s too slow to get capabilities into the hands of the armed forces.

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IAI eyes Heron MK 2 for Aussie armed drone sale

IAI eyes Heron MK 2 for Aussie armed drone sale
IAI eyes Heron MK 2 for Aussie armed drone sale

“I am not sure that we are cheaper than [General Atomics] but we are more flexible in the different payloads we can operate,” Ron Tryfus, IAI senior vice-president for future growth, said.

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All new Apache helicopters will have Australian components

All new Apache helicopters will have Australian components
All new Apache helicopters will have Australian components

Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy said at the Avalon Air Show that the Apache deal would generate jobs for Australian industry and is “expected to bring millions of dollars to local defence industry companies.”

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Could Australia be cleared to build HIMARS rounds in-country?

Could Australia be cleared to build HIMARS rounds in-country?
Could Australia be cleared to build HIMARS rounds in-country?

Most precision munitions used by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) are sourced from the US, with concerns routinely expressed that in any conflict, inventory could be quickly exhausted.

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