The Federal Government will speed up investment into the Mulwala’s munitions facility as part of the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO).
The major redevelopment of Mulwala’s munitions facility is set to receive another significant boost, this time to assist in the domestic production of solid rocket motors by 2030.
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The Department of Defence confirmed last week that the major redevelopment of the Mulwala and Benalla factories was ongoing and continued to be a critical component of Australia’s guided weapons and explosive ordnance enterprise and would remain so into the future.
“The Mulwala and Benalla Facility Redevelopment Project is currently in the planning phase, with the scope and budget yet to be confirmed,” a Defence spokesperson said.
“The project aims to support the ongoing operation and sustainment of the Defence sites at Benalla and Mulwala through targeted upgrades to facilities and infrastructure.”
According to infrastructure pipeline data, the redevelopment, with an estimated cost of $800 million, is listed as “under procurement”, with Defence preparing to move into the next stage of contractor selection and delivery planning.
The project is expected to involve a wide range of upgrades across both sites, including new buildings, modifications to existing facilities, and improvements to essential infrastructure.
Defence Industry Minister, Pat Conroy said the Mulwala and Benalla munition factories underpinned Australia’s ability to develop critical propellants, explosives and munitions for the Australian Defence Force.
Northrop Grumman Australia was recently unveiled by Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy as the preferred company to help establish domestic solid rocket motor manufacturing in Australia.
The project forms part of Australia’s Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS), aimed at strengthening sovereign defence capability.
The rocket motor manufacturing project further cements the Federal Government’s commitment to the long-term viability and redevelopment of the “critical” Mulwala and Benalla facilities.
By strengthening domestic production of explosives and propellants, the redevelopment project is expected to play a key role in supporting Defence’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) strategy and reducing reliance on overseas supply chains.
Thales Australia will work with Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin Australia to determine the production process for rocket motor manufacturing at Mulwala. Lockheed Martin has already established an office at the site.
Northrop Grumman Australia chief executive Robert Denney said details about workforce numbers and production volumes were still undecided.
"We're providing the expertise and specifics of solid rocket motors, but Thales is running the plant," he said.
"We're bringing in 70 years and multibillion dollars worth of solid motor rocket experience."
Northrop Grumman describes its role as supporting American military superiority through innovation and partnerships.
Mr Denney said prototypes still needed to be developed before contracts and production timelines could be finalised.
The first Australian-manufactured Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missiles were test fired at the Woomera Test Range in South Australia in April 2026. Image: Department of Defence.
A second rocket motor manufacturing facility is expected to open elsewhere in Australia by 2033. The Mulwala-made motors will also supply missile factories at Port Wakefield in South Australia and Newcastle.
The Department’s Request for Tender contract is expected to be awarded later this year.
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