The Australian Government is investing an initial amount of A$126.9m ($90.7m) to strengthen domestic production of solid rocket motors, which offers propulsion for guided weapons.
This initiative will boost Australia’s sovereign defence industrial base, resilience, and self-reliance, the Department of Defence said in a statement on 30 April 2026.
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Northrop Grumman Australia has been appointed as the preferred industry partner for the development of this manufacturing capability.
The project will utilise upgraded infrastructure at the government-operated Mulwala munitions facility in New South Wales, with plans for rocket motor production for the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missile expected to commence at the site by 2030.
The Australian government plans also include the construction of a Rocket Motor Manufacturing Complex at Mulwala, which is slated to focus on large-scale output of various solid rocket motor types. This facility to become operational in 2033.
In addition, the Australian Department of Defence will collaborate with DefendTex, Black Sky Industries, and Anduril Australia to explore new manufacturing methods.
This approach seeks to strengthen Australia’s defence supply chains and foster greater participation of small to medium enterprises in international markets.
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said: “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.
“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.”
The announcement follows a recent trial by Defence Science and Technology Group, which successfully conducted a static firing of the Australian-designed DRACO solid rocket motor at Woomera in February.
The DRACO milestone represented progress in local research and development of rocket technology.
Recently, the government announced A$2.3bn investment in US-made High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM).
