The US State Department has approved a potential foreign military sale (FMS) of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System-Alternate Warhead (GMLRS-AW) rounds and associated equipment to Australia.
The acquisition aims to enhance Australia’s defensive capabilities against current and future threats, promote interoperability with US forces, and support the development of local industry.
The deal has an estimated cost of $91.2m (A$145.4m) with Lockheed Martin in the US, and Lockheed Martin Australia named as the principal contractors.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has formally notified Congress of this potential transaction.
Australia seeks to acquire 54 GMLRS-AW rounds, which are designed to engage area targets while minimising the risk of unexploded ordnance, in line with US Department of Defense and international cluster munitions policies.
These rounds can reach beyond 70km and deliver a 200lb class fragmenting warhead filled with around 160,000 preformed tungsten fragments.
Additionally, the sale includes non-major defence equipment items such as telemetry kits, engineering services, technical assistance, and other related logistics and programme support.
This sale is expected to align with US foreign policy and national security objectives by contributing to peace and economic stability in the Western Pacific.
The Australian armed forces are anticipated to integrate this new equipment and services without difficulty, and the sale is not expected to change the regional military balance.
The implementation will not necessitate additional US Government or contractor personnel in Australia.
In September 2024, the US Army expanded its GMLRS contract ceiling by $3.4bn through an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity agreement, aiming to bolster its rocket inventory and related equipment.
In 2023, Australia requested the US for the FMS of 22 M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS); 60 M30A1 GMLRS AW pods for an estimated $975m.
