The Albanese government is carrying out the Defense Strategic Review’s top priorities.
The Government has nominated the leader of the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise. The GWEO Enterprise will hasten the development of a local Australian market for producing long-range guided weapons and ammunition.
The appointment of a Senior Officer to oversee the GWEO Enterprise, reporting directly to the Secretary of Department of Defence as well as the Chief of the Australian Defence Force, was suggested by the Defence Strategic Review.
The Government is happy to announce that Air Vice-Marshal Leon Phillips OAM has been named the GWEO Group’s first Chief.
On May 8, 2023, Air Vice-Marshal Phillips will become an Air Marshal and begin serving in that capacity.
One of the main recommendations of the Defence Strategic Review was to speed up the development of weapons systems, such as land-based maritime strike and long-range missile launchers, and to complement these efforts with investments in restocking our GWEO stocks and the establishment of Australian-owned facilities for the manufacture of missiles and other munitions.
This investment will support the production of guided weapons and the vital parts that go into them, increasing the ADF’s independence and Australia’s export potential.
The Albanese Government is investing $4.1 billion over the forward projections to increase the number of long-range strike systems and local production of longer-range munitions. Due to this investment in crucial capabilities, the Australian Army’s artillery range will be increased from 40 kilometres to more than 500 kilometres, which will better prepare the ADF to handle our strategic conditions.
“Congratulations to Air Vice-Marshal Phillips on his appointment to this important role, which will oversee the delivery of the ADF’s guided weapons and explosive ordnance requirements,” said Pat Conroy, the minister for the defence industry.
“Air Vice-Marshal Phillips has over 36 years of experience in the Royal Australian Air Force, mostly leading and implementing highly complex aerospace programs. He has a proven track record forging strong alliances with the defence sector.
