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Lockheed Martin Australia and Rheinmetall Australia have revealed their plans to collaborate on a sustainment model for entirely Australian-based production of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) launchers.
The potential collaboration comes as both companies continue their efforts to expand defence production and manufacturing in Australia.
“The focus for both Lockheed Martin Australia and Rheinmetall Defence Australia is anchored around a desire for practical collaboration to support Australia’s national security objectives while strengthening domestic industrial capabilities,” Lockheed Martin said in a statement.
Specifically highlighting Rheinmetall’s Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE), these facilities are expected to leverage the continued maintenance and production capabilities for the HIMARS launchers that Australia has been acquiring under Project LAND 8113.
While no formal agreement has been announced, MILVEHCOE is being eyed as a potential facility to support these efforts, as its advanced features are critical in supporting developments in ADF capabilities such as HIMARS.
“Lockheed Martin Australia is exploring how such capabilities could support heavy-grade repair and specialist maintenance for HIMARS, complementing depot-level and unit-level sustainment activities already based in South Australia,” the company said in a statement.
“Using proven existing facilities – rather than duplicating or relying on outdated ones – boosts efficiency, scalability, resilience and capability availability.”
The possible sustainment framework represents the prospect of wide economic growth in the defence industry in the coming years as the federal government continues to expand projects and acquisitions for advanced weapons systems.
Aligning with the Sovereign Defence Industrial Priority 3, the joint effort by the companies would represent the enhancement of arms land systems while supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and local supply chains.
“Developing Australian sustainment pathways for systems such as HIMARS is contributing to strengthening industrial capability while supporting the long-term availability and readiness of Army’s long-range fires capability,” Lockheed Martin said.
