Australia test fires first locally made GMLRS missiles

Lockheed Martin Australia, the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Group, and the Australian Army have conducted a live-fire demonstration of the first Australian-made Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missiles. 

The demonstration was conducted at the Woomera Test Range in South Australia on 9 April 2026. 

During the event, the surface-to-surface missile was launched from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) acquired through the Australian Army’s long-range fires programme.  

Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand (LMANZ) stated that the exercise aimed to demonstrate the progress of Australian domestic manufacturing capability for GWEO. 

The demonstration, supported by the 14th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery of the 10th Brigade, “achieved” all test objectives, LMANZ said.   

Performance data collected during the event will be used to validate the system before a full US certification flight test scheduled for 2027. 

LMANZ chief executive Jeremy King said: “This is an outstanding achievement. We have worked closely with defence to make ready the Port Wakefield facility and produce the first GMLRS outside the United States—all within two years.

“This speed to capability aligns with the Government’s GWEO objectives and is a testament to the outstanding collaborative work of the Australian team and our US colleagues.” 

The latest test-firing follows the December 2025 opening of a new dedicated facility at Port Wakefield, South Australia.  

Engineers responsible for assembling and delivering the missiles to the Australian Army had previously undertaken training at Lockheed Martin’s US production sites.  

They later returned to Australia to set up the Port Wakefield production line, where final assembly took place.  

LMANZ stated that completion of the first batch of Australian-produced GMLRS and the successful demonstration fulfilled the “final milestone” of the Guided Weapons Production Capability Risk Reduction Activity contract. 

The GMLRS, a precision-guided munition, serves as the main weapon for the Australian Army’s HIMARS vehicles and has a range exceeding 70 kilometres (km). 

Australia Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said: “Australia is now the only country outside the United States to make the GMLRS missile, providing opportunities for Australian industry to enter into global supply chains.  

“This successful test-firing is a major milestone for Australia’s sovereign guided weapons capability, demonstrating concrete progress in strengthening our national self‑reliance and delivering a defence future made in Australia.”