The Hon Pat Conroy MP
Minister for Defence Industry
Minister for Pacific Island Affairs
13 April 2026
The first Australian-made Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missiles have been successfully test-fired at the Woomera Test Range in South Australia.
The successful firing expands the long-range strike capability of the Australian Army and demonstrates the Albanese Government’s commitment to building the nation’s sovereign defence industry.
The surface-to-surface missile is capable of precisely striking targets beyond traditional artillery range. It is launched from the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) that has been acquired under the Australian Army’s long-range fires program.
Importantly, Australian-made GMLRS missiles will provide a pathway for future long-range fires munitions – such as the Precision Strike Missile and hypersonic weapons – to be locally manufactured.
This test-firing follows the December 2025 opening of a new dedicated facility at Port Wakefield, South Australia.
Australian suppliers will be progressively introduced into the GMLRS supply chain thanks to the Albanese Government’s $320 million commitment to uplift local companies to manufacture GMLRS components.
This is the third live-fire conducted by Australian HIMARS since their delivery in March 2025, demonstrating the accelerated delivery and training systems in place to achieve initial operational capability.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:
“Making missiles in Australia is central to Australia’s national defence resilience.
“Australia is now the only country outside the United States to make the GMLRS missile, providing opportunities for Australian industry to enter into global supply chains.
“This successful test-firing is a major milestone for Australia’s sovereign guided weapons capability, demonstrating concrete progress in strengthening our national self-reliance and delivering a defence future made in Australia.”
