Date: Apr 29, 2025
Following major government announcements and rising strategic pressures, plans are now underway to dramatically expand the country’s domestic production of critical munitions – from artillery rounds to precision-guided missiles.
At Leeder Analytical, we welcome these developments and we’re ready to play our part.
Because scaling up production isn’t just about quantity. It’s about making sure every round, rocket, and propellant is safe, stable, and reliable when it matters most.
A Major Shift in Defence Capability
Defence and national security have taken centre stage in Australia’s current political landscape, with both major parties pledging a significant boost to military spending in the face of an unpredictable relationship with now-US President Donald Trump.
In the lead-up to the May 3rd election, the Coalition has committed to lifting defence funding to 3% of GDP within a decade, while Labor has outlined a $50 billion increase over the next ten years in hopes of building out the nation’s independent military capabilities.
Even smaller parties have weighed in, with the Greens calling for Australia to “decouple” from the US military, highlighting growing concerns about shifting global alliances.
While the industry is yet to feel the effects of these lofty campaign promises, the Albanese Government has already taken decisive steps to boost Australia’s defence readiness through 2024’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise, backed by an investment of up to $21 billion over the next decade.
Key projects underway included:
- A new forging facility at the Benalla Munitions Facility, set to produce up to 100,000 rounds of 155mm M795 artillery ammunition per year by 2028
- A domestic manufacturing facility for Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS), expected to deliver 4,000 missiles annually by 2029
At the time of the announcement, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said the Australian Defence Forces “must be equipped” with capabilities that “can hold adversaries at risk” in our rapidly evolving strategic climate.
“The 2024 National Defence Strategy affirmed the need to invest in munitions to build stocks, strengthen supply chains and support a domestic manufacturing capability,” he added.
But as production looks to rapidly scale up, so too does the need for rigorous, independent testing to maintain the highest standards of safety and performance.
Where Leeder Analytical Fits In
As an independent, NATA-accredited laboratory with over 30 years of experience, Leeder Analytical provides the chemical analysis testing needed to support this new phase of defence growth.
Our services include:
- Verification of MIL-spec compliance for propellants, explosives, and stabilisers
- Detection of contaminants that could affect safety, stability, or performance
- Evaluation of propellant stability under a range of environmental conditions
- Support for R&D, quality control, and stockpile surveillance programs
By combining advanced instrumentation with decades of defence chemical analysis expertise, we offer manufacturers and government agencies clear, reliable data they can act on – helping ensure that every piece of equipment built for Australia’s future defence efforts meets the demands of the field.
Because in high-stakes environments, there’s simply no room for uncertainty.
About Leeder Analytical
Leeder Analytical is a Melbourne-based, Australian-owned laboratory specialising in advanced chemical analysis for defence, environmental, and industrial sectors.
With ISO 17025 accreditation and more than 30 years of sector experience, we provide clear, dependable insights that help organisations meet technical, regulatory, and operational excellence.
Contact us: +61 3 9481 4167
Email: enquiries@leeder-analytical.com
