NGC Awards Contract to Further Australia's Guided Weapons Manufacturing Capability

Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC) has expanded its investment in Australian sovereign weapons manufacturing through the award of a non-recurring engineering contract to A.W. Bell. This latest contract will enable the ongoing development of A.W. Bell’s titanium casting capability and further develops Australia’s sovereign guided weapons and explosive ordnance (GWEO) manufacturing capabilities.

 A.W. Bell’s participation in Northrop Grumman’s Global Supply Chain Program has showcased titanium casting techniques with potential applications for programs like the company’s Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range (AARGM-ER). The firm was recently honored at the 2024 Northrop Grumman Supplier Excellence Awards with the Supplier Excellence award, recognizing their contributions and deliveries to key programs such as AARGM-ER.

“This partnership strengthens our commitment to enhancing Australia’s defense industry capabilities and supply chain resilience, which is a core focus of our Australian industrial approach,” said Jake Campbell, interim country executive, Northrop Grumman Australia.

“Working with Northrop Grumman and their Global Supply Chain team has been valuable in strengthening our manufacturing capabilities internationally. Being recognised with the 2024 Strategic Excellence Award was a highlight, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Northrop Grumman through our new titanium casting capability supporting GWEO and sovereign defence manufacturing in Australia,” said Sam Bell, CEO, A.W. Bell.

Details:
Providing some of the world’s most advanced products and services to the U.S. government and 25 other countries globally, Northrop Grumman’s global supply chain offers significant growth opportunities for Australian businesses.

Through the Global Supply Chain program, signed with the Australian Department of Defence in July, Northrop Grumman is identifying opportunities for Australian industry to compete within its global supply chain. Over $100 million of opportunities have been realised for Small to Medium Enterprises. Supporting supply chain resilience, building sovereign industrial capability and creating export opportunities is a fundamental tenet of Northrop Grumman Australia’s industrial approach.

About A.W. Bell:
A.W. Bell is an Australian advanced manufacturing company that specialises in machined casting solutions. Their capabilities include investment, sand and prototype casting production, precision machining, engineering, tooling, metallurgical servicing, NDT, inspection, finishing and assembly.

In 2023, A.W. Bell became the first Australian investment casting foundry for titanium. A.W. Bell supplies to industries such as aerospace, defence, biomedical, mining and rail, both locally and internationally.