SYDNEY — Lockheed Martin Australia has awarded Moog Australia a contract for the development of a component for the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS), Lockheed announced today.
The contract, revealed at the Indo-Pacific International Maritime Expo here, will see Moog Australia develop the control actuation system (CAS) of the GMLRS rocket. Moog’s CAS is composed of a control unit and four actuators that independently position fins placed around the rocket to improve its direction in flight and accuracy, according to a release issued by Lockheed Martin Australia.
It adds that this advanced technology enables the GMLRS to effectively control and steer its way over the battlefield to engage and destroy mission-critical targets.
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In a news release, Lockheed Martin Australia said that the contract award will boost Australia’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) enterprise, which is an effort to strengthen the country’s domestic defense industry supply chain and increase its defense preparedness and national resilience.
“Collaboration with Australian industry and world-class suppliers like Moog is key to delivering the objectives of the GWEO Plan and strengthening Australia’s industrial base,” James Heading, director and general manager of missiles and fire control at Lockheed Martin Australia, said in the release.
Speaking to media at a briefing at the expo, Heading said that Lockheed Martin will continue a program to establish domestic manufacturing of GMLRS in Australia.
He flagged the possibility of full Australian production lines for GMLRS and other GWEO programs helping to alleviate shortfalls as the industrial base continues to come under strain due to high demand for the combat proven rockets and other ordnance in the US and elsewhere globally.
“It’s a critical time right now that Australian industry has actually got a hand up to say, ‘Hey, we’re here to help,’” Heading said.
The GMLRS can be fired by the truck-mounted M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) or the tracked M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS).
Australia is taking delivery of 42 HIMARS vehicles, and the system is in contention for a procurement program to equip a second Long Range Fires regiment.