The Australian Government is supporting local jobs and domestic manufacturing by investing A$220 million in munitions production at factories in Mulwala in New South Wales and Benalla in Victoria. Developed by Defence, the new Resonant Acoustic Mixing technology in place at Mulwala will produce a broader range of advanced munitions, faster and more safely. This will increase the capacity for production of the BLU-111(AUS) aerial bombs, used by the Royal Australian Air Force. This is an example of the Australian Government delivering on the priorities of the Defence Strategic Review and establishing local manufacturing of guided weapons and explosive ordnance.
The investment will significantly boost industrial capacity through:
- infrastructure redevelopments at each site – ensuring they are equipped to support future production demands, such as 155mm artillery ammunition,
- new explosive mixers at Mulwala, and
- enhanced munition manufacturing procedures, including non-destructive testing.
The Minister for Defence Industry, The Hon Pat Conroy MP said: “Improving Australia’s ability to manufacture the munitions our defence force needs is not only critical to meeting the strategic challenges we face as a nation, it will also support local industry and well-paid, skilled local jobs. The Albanese Government’s investment in these cutting-edge technologies demonstrates we are delivering on the Defence Strategic Review’s recommendations to develop advanced munitions manufacturing in Australia.
The BLU-111 General Purpose bomb is identical to the MK82 MOD 2 bomb, with the exception of the explosive filler. The ability to bring the BLU-111 into operational service as an Australian manufactured munition is a significant milestone in boosting Australia’s defence industry manufacturing capability. Australian Government investment in these capabilities will accelerate the domestic manufacture of Australia’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance, such as 155mm artillery ammunition. The Mulwala and Benalla munition factories underpin Australia’s ability to develop critical propellants, explosives and munitions for the Australian Defence Force.
