Australian Government has commenced the first stage of Tranche 1 to enhance the ADF’s capability and optimised weapon systems. Credit: Natan Flayer. 

The Australian Government has started the first stage of the Lethality System project’s (Land 159) Tranche 1.

It is intended to enhance the capabilities and weapon systems used by the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Go deeper with GlobalData

Go deeper with GlobalData

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

Brisbane-based company NIOA has won the first stage contract worth A$7m ($4.8m) via competitive tender.

Under the contract, the company will test and assess weapon systems and provide suggestions to defence.

The contract is part of the government’s commitment to invest A$270bn ($188bn) in defence industry.

The contract will boost the local economy by generating 23 job opportunities.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Australian Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said: “This contract reflects this Government’s commitment to Australian industry, as outlined in the release of the Defence Strategic Update 2020.

“It also supports the Munitions and Small Arms Sovereign Industrial Capability Priority in securing domestic capability.

“There are significant opportunities for Australian suppliers to offer weapon systems including ancillaries and munitions, and services across all three tranches of the project, which will create even more Australian jobs over the years to come.”

Recently, NIOA won a ten-year contract for the tenancy at the Benalla munitions factory in Victoria with the Australian Government.

The new contract is expected to create up to 100 jobs openings.

Commenting on the latest contract, Australian Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said: “This contract is a great outcome for an Australian company which has set a target of 100% Australian industry content for this stage of the project.

“It demonstrates the Morrison government’s commitment to maximising Australian industry involvement across all our projects.”

In February, the Rafael Spike LR2 missile system was selected as Australia’s Long Range Direct Fire Support Weapon capability under the project.

Army Technology Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Army Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact across the defence sector.

Excellence in Action
SMARTSHOOTER’s SMASH AI-enabled fire control systems are turning standard rifles into precision counter drone and small arms platforms. Discover how SMASH is redefining dismounted force protection, accuracy, and ethical AI use on today’s battlefield and why it has won the Innovation award.

Discover the Impact