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US Approves Sale of GMLRS-AW Rockets to Australia for Increased Long-Range Firepower.
The United States has confirmed a potential military sale to Australia for Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System-Alternate Warhead (GMLRS-AW) rounds and associated equipment, valued at an estimated $91.2 million. This decision, approved by the State Department, is part of ongoing defense relations between the two countries, aiming to strengthen Australia's deterrence capabilities against current and future threats. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has officially notified Congress of this potential transaction, marking another step in enhancing Australia's defense capabilities.
The GMLRS-AW is designed for area-target engagement while reducing residual explosive hazards (Picture source: US DoD)
The contract includes the acquisition of 54 GMLRS-AW rounds, designed to engage area targets while minimizing the risk of unexploded ordnance by US and international cluster munitions policies. These rockets have a range exceeding 70 km and are equipped with a 200-pound fragmenting warhead, containing approximately 160,000 preformed tungsten fragments. In addition to the munitions, the agreement includes non-major defense equipment, such as telemetry kits, engineering services, technical assistance, and logistical support.
GMLRS-AW is a precision-guided munition developed by Lockheed Martin. It is designed for area-target engagement while reducing residual explosive hazards. The rocket integrates a 200-pound fragmenting warhead with preformed tungsten fragments, effectively neutralizing dispersed targets without using submunitions, in compliance with US and international policies. The rockets are compatible with HIMARS and M270 MLRS launchers, offering operational flexibility and a rapid response capability in all weather conditions.
The GMLRS program has already produced over 60,000 rockets, with a reliability rate exceeding 98%, and continues to evolve with the development of the Extended-Range GMLRS (ER GMLRS), capable of reaching 150 km. The AW variant was introduced as an alternative to prohibited cluster munitions, enabling forces to conduct precision strikes on dispersed targets without leaving hazardous unexploded ordnance. Used by multiple US-allied forces, these rockets play a key role in long-range fire support and deep-strike operations, reinforcing deterrence and rapid response capabilities in combat scenarios.
The contract will primarily benefit Lockheed Martin, with its US and Australian branches responsible for production and delivery. No specific industrial offset agreements have been disclosed at this stage, although such arrangements may be negotiated between Australia and the contractor. The integration of this capability into Australia’s armed forces is expected to be smooth, and no additional US government or contractor personnel will be required in Australia for implementation.
This sale aligns with US strategic objectives in the Indo-Pacific region, where Australia plays a key political and economic role. The stated goal is to enhance Australia’s defensive posture while strengthening interoperability with US forces. This cooperation improves Australia’s military capabilities and contributes to regional security and stability.
This transaction follows other recent acquisitions by Australia from the United States. In 2023, Canberra requested the purchase of 22 M142 HIMARS systems and 60 M30A1 GMLRS pods, which were estimated to cost $975 million. Meanwhile, the US Army recently increased the GMLRS contract ceiling by $3.4 billion under an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract to expand its rocket stockpiles and associated equipment.
According to US authorities, this sale is not expected to alter the regional military balance, as it is considered a defensive acquisition. For Australia, this procurement represents another step in modernizing and expanding its precision strike capabilities, further reinforcing its strategic partnership with the United States.