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Australia’s long-range strike capabilities are set to take a major leap forward through a new joint venture between General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, aimed at fast-tracking delivery of the next-generation Bullseye precision missile.
Announced under a memorandum of understanding, the partnership will support the Australian Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise and deepen trilateral industrial cooperation under the AUKUS framework. The initiative will accelerate the rollout of a mature, long-range missile system capable of being operational in as little as two years – not the usual seven or more.
The Bullseye missile is a modular, multi-domain, deep-strike weapon with proven performance. With a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 8, it is scheduled for flight qualification and initial deliveries starting in late 2025. It will be built in the United States and offered to both US forces and trusted partners like the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
“This joint venture shows how key strategic allies like the United States are already benefiting from Rafael’s battle-proven missile expertise – and now, through this partnership, Australia can too,” said Golan Ben Giat, managing director of Rafael Australia.
“Bullseye delivers what the ADF needs – long-range, high-precision munitions at scale in years, not decades. We are proud to bring real capability, real scale and real speed to the table.”
The collaboration combines Rafael’s extensive experience with guided missile systems – including combat-proven technologies like SPIKE and Iron Dome – with GA-EMS’ high-volume missile manufacturing capabilities at its US-based centre of excellence in Tupelo, Mississippi.
In 2023, Rafael marked a significant milestone in its Australian operations with the signing of a major contract to supply the SPIKE LR2 missile system under Project LAND 400 Phase 2. That agreement was the first guided weapons acquisition under the leadership of Air Marshal Leon Phillips, inaugural chief of the GWEO Group.
The SPIKE LR2, now in service with more than 40 militaries worldwide, is already integrated into Australia’s modernised land combat capability. Rafael’s growing presence and performance in Australia further supports the country’s ambitions to develop a sovereign guided weapons industry at speed and scale.
The Bullseye program directly aligns with the 2024 GWEO Plan, a whole-of-government strategy to bolster Australia’s defence readiness and industrial resilience in the face of growing strategic uncertainty. The missile’s design supports rapid integration across air, land and sea platforms, offering a flexible and scalable option for multi-domain strike operations.
“This partnership reflects our steadfast commitment to advancing trans-Atlantic security and delivering proven, cutting-edge capabilities to allies like Australia,” said Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS.
“By combining Rafael’s missile expertise with GA-EMS’ advanced manufacturing infrastructure, Bullseye offers an operational capability at speed and scale – strengthening the defence industries of all AUKUS nations.”
The joint venture is also exploring local industrial participation in Australia, including opportunities for assembly, testing and integration through local defence companies. These efforts support key goals of the GWEO Enterprise to reduce reliance on overseas supply chains and grow sovereign capabilities in manufacturing and sustainment.
“Bullseye offers a practical, near-term solution to the challenges of deterrence and strike mass in a contested Indo-Pacific,” Rafael and GA-EMS said in a joint statement. “It’s a system that delivers the accuracy, range and adaptability needed to protect Australia’s national interests.”
The announcement comes amid intensified cooperation between Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom on advanced defence technologies under AUKUS Pillar II, which focuses on areas like hypersonics, quantum, cyber and precision strike.
At AUSMIN 2023, the United States reaffirmed its commitment to fast-tracking access to sensitive defence technology and intellectual property for trusted allies like Australia. Programs like Bullseye offer a clear pathway to turn that commitment into practical, deployable capability.
As Australia works to build a more self-reliant and technologically advanced force, the Bullseye missile joint venture stands out as a flagship example of what strategic collaboration can deliver – real capability, local opportunity and deterrence at speed.
