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Thales Australia has officially revealed a new $1.8 million honing machine to support the production of rifles for the Australian Defence Force at the Lithgow Arms small arms factory.
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This investment demonstrates Thales’ continuing investment in maintaining Australia’s sovereign industrial capability in small arms research, design, development and manufacture.
Thales’ continued investment over more than a decade has unlocked the potential of the site, winning contracts and generating jobs and investment in Lithgow, the central west and along the supply chain.
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole unveiled the new $1.8 million honing machine on the rifle production line at Lithgow Arms.
"I am delighted that more than 200 of Lithgow Arms’ suppliers are located in NSW, and over the last three years these suppliers have received almost $20 million in orders from Thales," Toole said.
In order to maintain a capability advantage for Australia’s Defence Force, Thales is investing in world-class manufacturing capabilities that can be integrated with digital technologies, including 3D printing, advanced optical and targeting equipment and secure digitally networked systems.
Toole added, "Since 1912, the Lithgow Small Arms Factory (now known as Lithgow Arms) has proudly supported Australia’s soldiers on battlefields around the world."
Thales director of soldier weapons systems Graham Evenden said that Thales is investing significantly in its manufacturing capability and skills development to develop the world-leading technologies for future products.
"Today’s unveiling shows our intent to build on Lithgow Arms’ distinguished heritage to develop and manufacture the next-generation soldier weapons systems for the future Australian Defence Force," Evenden explained.
Thales in Australia is part of a leading international electronics and systems group serving the defence, aerospace and space, security, and transport markets in Australia and throughout the world.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
