Australia has produced its first batch of GMLRS rockets this year. For now, this involves assembly at domestic facilities, with plans to localize production in the future. The newly produced rockets have already been test-fired from the HIMARS system. Canberra also has ambitious plans to localize production of the extended-range GMLRS ER and, later, the PrSM ballistic missile, as well as to develop hypersonic weapons.
Initially, the facility will supply GMLRS rockets for the Australian Armed Forces. However, from the outset, the strategy has included exporting these missiles. "We are looking not only at Australia’s requirements, but also at the global supply chain," Defense News quotes James Heading, Director and General Manager of Missiles and Fire Control at Lockheed Martin Australia.
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Australia’s Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy, also emphasized the country’s potential to enter the global supply market for HIMARS-compatible munitions. Currently, Australia is the only country outside the United States that produces GMLRS rockets, with plans to expand into other missile types for the M142 HIMARS and M270 MLRS.
The agreement between the United States and Australia on GMLRS production was signed in spring 2024, and the facility was opened at the end of last year. According to Heading, production is expected to ramp up during 2026.
For Ukraine, which operates HIMARS systems, this development could be significant. Increased production capacity means more GMLRS rockets may become available for export in the future, followed by GMLRS ER with a range of up to 150 km and eventually PrSM ballistic missiles.
However, there are two important caveats. First, exports of GMLRS produced in Australia will require U.S. approval. This is unlikely to be a major obstacle, although future political factors cannot be ruled out.
Second, while Australia is expected to produce far more missiles than its own military requires, large-scale output will take time. Although long-term plans envision production reaching up to 4,000 rockets annually by 2029, current output remains limited at around 300 rockets per year.
Read more: First GMLRS Missiles for HIMARS Will Soon Roll Off the Only Production Line Outside the U.S., Located in Australia
