Rheinmetall Nioa Munitions starts production of artillery shells in Australia
First projectiles to come out of the shell forging plant in Marborough, Queensland. (Photo: Rheinmetall Nioa Munitions)
The company announced on 3 August the production of the first artillery shell from its new regional Queensland plant.
Rheinmetall Nioa Munitions (RMN) has manufactured the first artillery shell from its new regional plant in Marborough, Queensland (Australia). The announcement was made on 3 August and marks the preparation to ramp up the production of artillery projectiles.
The factory uses a 1,250t hot forging press and computerised machinery to produce 155mm artillery projectiles and metal parts for other munitions used by the Australian Defence Force as well as export markets.
When full-rate production commences later this year, the plant will have a workforce of up to 100 staff including engineers, line supervisors, skilled operators, maintenance staff and apprentices. Situated on a 233,300m² site, Rheinmetall Nioa Munitions’ facility covers an area of 40,000m².
The project has had multi-level government backing with a A$28.5 million injection from the Federal Government’s Regional Growth Fund on top of A$7.5 million from the Queensland Government’s Jobs and Regional Growth Fund and support from the Fraser Coast regional council.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Polaris expands Arctic mobility offering as US military orders grow]()
Polaris expands Arctic mobility offering as US military orders grow
The Military 850 Voyageur 155 Crossover has secured orders from the US Army, Air Force and Marine Corps, addressing demand for agile Arctic mobility with passenger, cargo and towing capacity.
-
![More bidders move onto starting grid for British Army Land Rover replacement programme]()
More bidders move onto starting grid for British Army Land Rover replacement programme
The Light Mobility Vehicle segment of the UK’s Land Mobility Programme for the British Army may actually be about to make progress, or at least likely bidders seem to think so. Shephard spoke with several contenders who revealed their views on how the army should replace the ageing fleet.
-
![Northrop Grumman pushing ahead with smaller Integrated Battle Command System]()
Northrop Grumman pushing ahead with smaller Integrated Battle Command System
Northrop Grumman’s Integrated Battle Command System is in service with Polish forces and is being introduced to US forces, with further development underway on the original platform as well as a smaller, more mobile system.
-
![UK’s ground-based air defence effort remains in assessment phase after third industry day]()
UK’s ground-based air defence effort remains in assessment phase after third industry day
The UK’s plan to introduce a new air defence capability into the British Army will cover short and medium-range defence as well as counter-uncrewed aerial system systems. Timelines are not yet laid out but industry is making plans.
