3D Metalforge signs sovereign defence agreement with Australian Missile Corporation
3D Metalforge will work with the Australian Missile Corporation to establish a sovereign guided missile manufacturing enterprise to enhance the nation’s self-reliance.
Additive manufacturing company 3D Metalforge (ASX: 3MF) has entered into an agreement with Australian Missile Corporation Pty Ltd to assist with the development of Australia’s sovereign defence industrial capabilities.
The non-binding letter of intent will see 3D Metalforge join the corporation’s collaboration platform – which includes Australian defence industry partners, academia and government organisations – to work towards the establishment of a guided missile manufacturing enterprise in Australia.
The Australian Missile Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NIOA, which is the largest Australian-owned supplier of weapons and munitions and a prime contractor to the Australian Defence Forces.
The company specialises in the provision and support of weapon and integrated soldier systems focusing on close combat; special operations; direct and indirect fire; target recognition, suppression and neutralisation; and training and force protection.
Profile boost
3D Metalforge managing director Matthew Waterhouse said the new agreement would be a boost to the company’s profile in the defence sector.
“We are pleased to be contributing to an initiative with the Australian Missile Corporation in support of a guided weapons enterprise, as additive manufacturing services are likely to become increasingly prevalent in the defence industry,” he said.
“We will bring key capabilities in additive manufacturing to the platform … the collaboration ties back to our growth strategy as we expand our business operations within the Australian and New Zealand markets.”
Guided missiles enterprise
In March, the Federal Government announced it would accelerate the creation of a $1 billion Sovereign Guided Weapons Enterprise to support homegrown missile and guided weapons manufacturing.
The enterprise aims to enhance Australia’s self-reliance and supply chain resilience with a longer-term goal of developing a sovereign guided weapons capability.
It is part of a $270 billion spend over the next decade to strengthen Australia’s defence forces and will include high-tech submarines, new fighter jets, hypersonic weapons and advanced munitions.
Specialist service
3D Metalforge specialises in additive manufacturing to support a growing multi-national client base.
It offers a full range of in-house printing services from design and engineering, material advisory and diagnostics to printing and post-production certification.
The company’s technology is capable of producing high-demand parts faster, more efficiently and more cost-effectively with less environmental impact and greater sustainability than conventional manufacturing.