Government invests in domestic rocket motor manufacturing

The federal government has announced it is seeking options from industry to establish a manufacturing complex that will enable production of rocket motors for some of the world’s most advanced missiles in Australia. The program is backed by an initial investment of $22 million over the next three years, which the government says will help grow Australia’s advanced high-tech manufacturing sector and boost long‑range strike capabilities for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

It is underpinned by the government’s Future Made in Australia agenda, which aims to improve the resilience of supply chains, provide for greater strategic sovereignty, enhance export opportunities, and deliver broad economic and employment benefits.

Rocket motors are a critical component of missiles and required for most guided weapons, including guided multiple-launch rocket systems (GMLRS) missiles, which will be made in Australia from next year. It’s expected the rocket motor complex will begin production by the end of the decade.

The government has also announced it will invest up to $60 million over the next five years to develop the next generation of guided weapon subsystems and components, such as hypersonic and long-range strike, enabling partnerships between industry and Defence.

“This is another investment in a future made in Australia and the more than 100,000 Australians, including in regional Australia, that are benefiting from the government’s commitment to grow our sovereign defence industry and sovereign industrial base,” said Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy. “This program is an endorsement of Australian ingenuity. Making solid rocket motors in Australia will build on Australia’s proud history as a manufacturing nation and contribute to a future made in Australia.”

Image caption: Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy announcing an agreement to build solid rocket motors in Australia. Source: defence.gov.au.