Australia takes leap forward in self-reliance with launch of rocket motor manufacturing

The Albanese Government is strengthening the nation’s sovereign defence industrial base, resilience and self-reliance by investing an initial $126.9 million to establish solid rocket motor production in Australia.

Solid rocket motors provide the propulsion required for most guided weapons, and are in high demand worldwide.

Northrop Grumman Australia has been selected as the preferred industry partner to help establish domestic solid rocket motor manufacturing. This decision will leverage recently completed upgrades to facilities at the Government-owned Mulwala munitions factory in New South Wales in order to fast-track Australian production of these critical missile components.

Australia will begin by producing rocket motors for the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missile at Mulwala by 2030.

A dedicated Rocket Motor Manufacturing Complex, designed to deliver high-rate production of multiple types of solid rocket motors, is planned to be operational from 2033.

In addition, Defence will work with DefendTex, Black Sky Industries and Anduril Australia to explore their novel manufacturing methods, with the potential for further opportunities to be extended to other Australian providers once domestic solid rocket motor manufacturing has been established.

This initiative will strengthen Australia’s defence supply chains and open new opportunities for Australian small to medium enterprises to enter the global market. By partnering with experienced and proven international rocket motor manufacturers, the program will build local industry capability at speed, support Australian businesses and create highly skilled jobs.

This announcement builds on Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG)’s successful static firing of the first DRACO solid rocket motor at Woomera in February. DRACO is an Australian designed and developed rocket motor, and this Australian-first firing marked a major milestone in advanced rocket motor research and development.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

“The Albanese Government’s investment in rocket motor manufacturing will strengthen Australia’s self-reliance, while supporting our industrial base and creating jobs for locals.

“This investment will ensure the Australian Defence Force has reliable, resilient access to the capabilities needed to defend Australia and our immediate region.

“The successful static firing of the DRACO solid rocket motor shows how quickly Australia’s expertise in energetics and missile technology is advancing. It’s a major step for sovereign capability, industry collaboration, and our long term defence preparedness.”

MEDIA NOTE:
Media can access imagery/vision at https://images.defence.gov.au/s20260895.