BREAKING: A new missile assembly facility officially opened in Port Wakefield on December 5, 2025, marking a pivotal moment for Australia’s defense capabilities. This site, located at Proof Range, is the only facility outside the United States authorized to produce the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS), capable of hitting targets over 70 kilometers away.
The grand opening ceremony featured key figures including Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy and South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas. They were joined by Air Marshal Leon Phillips, Chief of Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance, and senior executives from Lockheed Martin, including Paula Hartley and Jennifer McManus.
Minister Conroy emphasized the significance of the facility, stating, “This is a red-letter day for the Australian defence industry and the defense of the nation.” He announced that production will commence within days, highlighting that Australia is now the only country outside the U.S. manufacturing these advanced missiles.
The facility will create approximately 20 on-site manufacturing jobs and support hundreds more throughout the national supply chain, showcasing the growing importance of the defense sector in South Australia. Premier Malinauskas noted, “This is a capability that will dramatically improve the army’s capacity to defend our nation if required,” reflecting the urgent need for enhanced national security.
Lockheed Martin’s Paula Hartley described the launch as a critical milestone for Australia’s sovereignty in defense manufacturing. “We’re not just cutting a ribbon today — we’re cutting a path to a stronger, more sovereign Australian defense capability,” she stated.
The establishment of this facility aligns with Australia’s broader strategy to acquire long-range strike systems and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. Notably, the first cohort of Australian workers has already completed specialized training at Lockheed Martin’s Camden facility in Arkansas, U.S.A.
As global security challenges escalate, this development is expected to have lasting implications for Australia’s defense posture. The strategic importance of having a domestic manufacturing capability for advanced weaponry cannot be overstated, and as production ramps up, the new facility is poised to play a crucial role in safeguarding the nation.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Australia steps into a new era of defense manufacturing.
