Lockheed, Northrop, Thales successfully detonate co-produced warhead in NSW

The warhead, manufactured by Northrop Grumman with support from Thales, is designed for use in Lockheed Martin’s Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System.

The precision-guided munition is designed to be employed by the Australian Army’s High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launcher, capable of striking targets at ranges beyond 70 km.

“This demonstration showcases the strength of Australian industry working together to design, manufacture and test production-quality warhead technologies in-country,” according to Jeremy King, Chief Executive Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand.

“It marks an important step forward toward achieving the Commonwealth’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance objectives.

“Lockheed Martin is committed to our partnership with Thales Australia and Northrop Grumman Australia and to the development of GMLRS-related warheads essential for achieving a sovereign guided weapons capability for Defence.”

The joint effort represents a critical step toward establishing a domestic guided weapon warhead production capability in Australia.

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The successful demonstration highlighted a low-risk, rapid pathway to capability while underscoring the strength of collaboration across Australian defence industry partners.

“Lockheed Martin has established a GMLRS factory in Australia, Northrop Grumman Australia is the OEM of the warhead of choice,” according to Thales Australia and New Zealand chief executive officer Jeff Connolly.

“Thales Australia is committed to leveraging our enduring and sovereign defence capabilities and to work with both parties and establish in-country manufacturing to increase supply certainty and deliver the Australian Defence Force capability.

“This demonstration highlights the success of the approach and proves the partners can deliver this system and are on the path to more complex system production.”

As a GWEO strategic partner, Lockheed Martin Australia, with industry partners, is accelerating the development and production of guided weapons in Australia.

The project demonstrates warhead production using existing resources and facilities, while highlighting the benefits for Australia through industry uplift, local employment opportunities, and economic growth.

Overall results exceeded expectations, demonstrating the power of industry collaboration and positioning the partnership for future success.

“Northrop Grumman’s production experience, program planning and manufacturing capabilities are well suited to support accelerating sovereign warhead manufacturing in Australia,” said Rob Denney, Northrop Grumman Australia Country Executive.

“In collaboration with Lockheed Martin, Thales Australia, the Commonwealth and local suppliers, we’re committed to accelerating manufacturing of long-range guided weapons and enhancing a sovereign Australian capability that is scalable, affordable and effective.”

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.