Australia MoD Chooses RAFAEL for GWEO Acquisition

25 Agustus 2023

The head of Australia's new Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) group, Air Marshal Leon Phillips, poses with representatives of Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems after signing a 'substantial' contract to buy Spike LR2 anti-tank missiles (photo : Rafael)

RAFAEL Australia (RAFAEL) has finalised a substantial acquisition contract with the Australian Government to provide the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with the next generation of Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) systems; RAFAEL’s SPIKE LR2 Anti-Tank Guided Missile.

This is the ADF’s first GWEO acquisition under the leadership of inaugural Chief of the GWEO Group, Air Marshal Leon Phillips OAM, and represents a significant investment in Australia’s defence and deterrence capabilities. This acquisition will support the Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle capability being delivered under Project LAND 400 Phase 2.

SPIKE LR2 is a state-of-the-art, multipurpose, multiplatform, combat-proven missile system, designed to meet the needs of modern warfare and complex battlespace challenges. Through industry-leading investments in innovation, extensive operational experience, and a deep understanding of evolving combat requirements, RAFAEL continues to be a global leader in Precision Guided Missiles and Counter Missile Systems and Technology.

Rafael SPIKE LR2 Anti-Tank Guided Missile (photo : Varley)

“As a trusted partner and supplier of the ADF for 30 years,” explains Dr. Ran Gozali, RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems’ Executive Vice President, G.M Land & Naval Division “RAFAEL looks forward to continuing to work closely with the ADF and our Australian industry partners to deliver forward-thinking solutions and capabilities that will strengthen Australia’s defence capabilities, and foster investment in Australia’s sovereign industrial capacity.”

The Albanese Government’s commitment to enhancing Australia’s domestic munitions manufacturing, has opened the door to the development of new sovereign GWEO capabilities in Australia.

Furthermore, Dr. Ran Gozali, explains; “Through our joint venture with the Varley Group, Varley Rafael Australia (VRA), RAFAEL Australia is optimally placed to enhance the ADF’s ‘speed to capability’ acquisition, and pursue opportunities to stand up domestic manufacture of selected defence capabilities in Australia for our warfighters and pacific partners.”

RAFAEL is an established and trusted supplier to the USA and UK. VRA, as a joint venture between Varley and RAFAEL, is keen to help Australia develop future local manufacturing options as signaled in the Defence Strategic Review, and defence industry development opportunities available through the AUKUS treaty.

(Rafael Australia)