Lockheed Martin Australia has awarded Moog Australia a contract to develop the control actuation system (CAS) for the country’s upcoming Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) program. The CAS is a vital component responsible for guiding and stabilizing the missile during flight, ensuring accuracy and reliability in long-range engagements.
Under the deal, Moog Australia will establish a localized pilot production line dedicated to the GMLRS CAS. The company will also partner with domestic suppliers to manufacture critical components for current and future CAS designs, boosting Australia’s sovereign defense capabilities and minimizing dependency on external suppliers. This initiative aims to reduce program risk while strengthening the country’s guided weapons industrial base.
Leveraging the expertise of its US parent company, Moog Australia will benefit from advanced engineering knowledge and technology transfer to expedite development. The new CAS production effort supports the broader GMLRS program, which is set to begin local manufacturing later this year. The initiative follows a AU$37.4 million (US$24.3 million) agreement signed in 2024 between Lockheed Martin and the Australian government.
The GMLRS, a primary munition for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), is known for its precision and effectiveness on modern battlefields — including recent operations in Ukraine. Thales Australia has been selected to produce rocket motors and warheads for the missiles, with national production expected to reach up to 4,000 rounds annually. This output would represent over 25% of global GMLRS production and significantly exceed the Australian Defence Force’s current needs.
