Increased domestic manufacture of munitions and missiles is critical, but challenging for Australia according to a new report from the United States Studies Centre (USSC) at the University of Sydney.
In Defence industry reactions to GWEO Plan, authors Director of Foreign Policy and Defence Prof. Peter Dean, Senior Research Associate Alice Nason and Research Associate Kester Abbott summarise findings of a workshop with defence industry leaders in Canberra in November.
“Sending munitions to support Ukraine highlighted the significant shortfalls in local and global munitions production,” Prof. Dean noted, “The GWEO Plan seeks to increase sovereign production, provide clarity and concrete measures will be needed to shore up supplies and make a major contribution to the execution of Australia’s defence strategy.”
Defence industry representatives praised the plan’s effective policy communication, balanced technological approach and partnership prioritisation. However, there were some areas of concern regarding the implementation.
“Everyone agrees on the importance of missile production. The challenges are delivering on this ambition against realistic timelines that balance strategic need and industrial uplift capacity,” Prof. Dean said, “Working with industry to chart a path that prioritises implementation, sustainment and continuity across governments will be essential.”
Defence industry reactions to GWEO Plan summarises findings from a USSC workshop in November 2024 with 16 senior representatives from defence industry primes and SMEs to offer their initial reactions to the Albanese government’s recently unveiled Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordinance (GWEO) Plan.
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