Editorial
In the absence of ammunition and new weapons to face persistent wars reminiscent of those of the Great War, the United States is running for cover by looking to Australia. The NYT reveals the US army's plans. Australia is preparing to produce a considerable quantity of artillery shells and thousands of guided missiles, in close collaboration with US companies. These weapons, compliant with Pentagon specifications, will be no different from those made in the United States: most will be used to replenish American stockpiles or sold to businesses of the United States.
The project is seen as an ambitious move by Australia to become a sort of 51st American defense manufacturing state, with the construction of special infrastructures such as those dedicated to the assembly of missiles, known as GMLRS or "gimmlers". ”.
The Australian general in charge of armaments, Andrew Langford, interviewed by the NYT, underlined that this initiative does not simply concern the purchase of armaments, but represents a strategic investment. This decision by Australia to work towards the joint production of weapons and ammunition reflects a need of Western armies which have realized an endemic inability to satisfy the needs of armaments, necessary to face prolonged conflicts without affecting their own strategic stocks.
In this context, countries such as Poland, Japan and India are tightening partnerships for the production of armaments together with the United States. However, Australia, a long-time US ally, is moving forward with greater speed and determination, working closely with the Department of Defense and companies such as Lockheed Martin. The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, Bill LaPlante, expressed satisfaction with the concreteness of the collaboration with Australia.
As China advances militarily, with endless production lines for warships and missiles, Australia's commitment to joint production is highly deterrent to deter China or other adversaries. This step could also benefit the industry in arms exports, with the final seal of approval from the United States. The Australian military is reportedly working to obtain relaxations on the limitations imposed by the laws regarding the export of military equipment.
Some Australian officials fear their costly bet on American cooperation – accelerated in 2021 with plans for nuclear-powered submarines – could be imperiled by a likely future isolationist Trump presidency. Even faced with this possibility, the decision was made to move forward.
A huge 2.500-acre site is already operated in Australia by Thales, a multinational defense giant, which also oversees munitions production at another site near Benalla. Both sites are located on government land with large agricultural areas that could easily allow industrial expansion during the joint production process.
For now, the United States and Australia are finalizing the production of 155-millimeter unguided artillery shells. In the months ahead, Lockheed Martin will begin assembling the Guided Rocket Multiple Launch System (GMLRS) with American components. Australia expects to produce around 3.000 GMLRS per year.
GMLRS are launched from tubes on trucks called HIMARS and can hit targets 50 miles away with 200 pounds of explosives, using GPS to strike with precision. Last year, the United States supplied Ukraine with at least 20 HIMARS systems, along with GMLRS, rapidly changing the tide of the conflict. Taiwan has ordered at least 29 HIMARS launchers, expanding the potential market for Australia. Although Israel produces its own rocket systems, American and Australian officials have discussed the possibility of potential sales to Tel Aviv and also European allies.
Subscribe to our newsletter!