Aussies Industrializing Local Machine Gun Production

[Kirkhill]

In the name of supply chain resilience, and with commercial intent to distribute to foreign users, the Aussies are now looking to produce multitudes of machine guns of all calibres. This follows on from their missile production activities,

Defence, Thales negotiate industrialised machine gun manufacturing in New South Wales

Defence has teased new details about possible industrialised machine gun manufacturing in New South Wales for the Australian Defence Force.

www.defenceconnect.com.au

I am going to guess that it is not just supply chain resilience that is driving this. I am guessing that the demand for machine guns is going up as an available and proven last ditch defence against drones when combined with a solid platform and an effective sighting system.

If people are looking at shot guns and splitting 5,56mm Ball into 5 slivers as effective counter UAS methods then I can only assume that lots of fixed RWS systems armed with 5.56mm LMGs could be considered an effective last ditch CUAS defence for Vital Points. The short range and limited effectiveness of the 5.56mm round would become an asset as it would constrain the danger zone that needs to be kept clear of civilians and othe un-intended targets. The split bullets with their shards would reduce the danger are even more.

The effectiveness would rely on the UAS closing on the target and bringing itself into the effective range of the gun and bullet mounted on the target.

 

[OldSolduer]

In the name of supply chain resilience, and with commercial intent to distribute to foreign users, the Aussies are now looking to produce multitudes of machine guns of all calibres. This follows on from their missile production activities,

Defence, Thales negotiate industrialised machine gun manufacturing in New South Wales

Defence has teased new details about possible industrialised machine gun manufacturing in New South Wales for the Australian Defence Force.

www.defenceconnect.com.au

I am going to guess that it is not just supply chain resilience that is driving this. I am guessing that the demand for machine guns is going up as an available and proven last ditch defence against drones when combined with a solid platform and an effective sighting system.

Was not the Sten produced in rudimentary facilities?

 

[Kirkhill]

Ukraine Approves Military Use of ‘Pernach’ Remote Weapon Station

The Ukrainian defense ministry authorized the deployment of the “Pernach” remotely controlled weapon station within its armed forces.

thedefensepost.com

Nov 24 - Ukrainian Pernach RWS with 7.62 mm MG

Shablya Combat Module Now Compatible with Ukrainian Grenade Launchers and Machine Guns

The Ukrainian company ROBONEERS has announced the expansion of the compatibility of its Shablya remote-controlled combat modules (RCCMs), adding domestic weapons to the available options.This was reported to Militarnyi by […]

militarnyi.com

March 2026

Ukrainian Shablya RWS mounting GMGs and HMGs.

Australian EOS to supply 160 SLINGER counter-UAV systems to Ukraine

The Australian company Electro Optical Systems (EOS) will supply 160 SLINGER counter-UAV combat modules to Ukraine

militarnyi.com

Sept 2023

Aussie 30mm EOS Slinger autonomous 30mm RWS




Kongsberg RS4 Protector Super Lite

https://www.kongsberg.com/globalassets/kongsberg-defence--aerospace/1.-what-we-do/1.3-defence--security/remote-weapon-systems/protector-rs4/rs4-product-sheet-191125.pdf

PROTECTOR RWS

The PROTECTOR RWS is the world’s most fielded Remote Weapon System with more than 20,000 units delivered and in use by customers around the globe

www.kongsberg.com

The PROTECTOR RWS includes a network-based Fire Control System which enables features like
Multi User Capability (Commander, gunner and or other Crew members switch control of one RWS)

• Multi Weapon Stations (One operator controls several RWS, in vehicle or for Camp- or Perimeter protection)
• Network and Wireless operations (UGV or stationary platforms)
• Manned-Unmanned Teaming capability for remote control on vehicle or by dismounted personnel

.....

There seems to be a lot of reliance on machine guns.

.....

Test of New U.S. 5.56 mm Anti-Drone Round Creates Close-Range Fragment Cloud on FPV Drones.

The United States tested a new 5.56 millimeter anti-drone rifle round that scatters fragments at close range, aiming to boost squad-level defense against FPV

armyrecognition.com

[SHOT 2026] Drone Round Defense Multi-Projectile Anti-Drone Ammo

Drone Round Defense brought their anti-drone ammunition to SHOT Show 2026, offering 5.56 NATO and 7.62 NATO loads designed specifically to neutralize small unmanned aerial systems.The company operates under the same leadership team behind Freedom Munitions, Unlimited Ammo, and Ammo Load, with...

www.thefirearmblog.com

"Two variants handle different engagement scenarios. The K Variant packs 8 projectiles with a 50-meter effective range, while the L Variant uses 5 projectiles extending the effective range to 100 meters. The 5.56 NATO load exits the muzzle at 2,200 fps - roughly twice the velocity of standard 12-gauge shotgun shells. The 7.62 NATO version remains in testing with velocity figures not yet released."

 

[Colin Parkinson]

Keep in mind that Australia is just getting reminded of what end of the supply chain they are on and that looks to much like WWII for their liking.