Weapons firm looks to establish Murray Bridge factory
Murray Bridge is ideally placed to become a second defence industry hub for South Australia, an emerging ammunitions manufacturer says.
Murray Bridge may soon be able to capitalise on Australia’s growing defence industry with the establishment of a local weapons manufacturing facility.
Emerging South Australian ammunition manufacturer Ares Armaments announced in April that it would establish a presence in regional SA.
The company planned to draw its workforce from the veteran community in partnership with training provider Aimpoint, helping ex-Australian Defence Force personnel transition into civilian life by offering accredited training and support.
Director Jason Murray promised at the time that Ares would develop the capability to manufacture guided weapons and explosive ordinance “not years into the future, but within the next 12 months”.
Pending confirmation from some of the partners in the project, Ares would like to establish a manufacturing facility in Murray Bridge, he told Murray Bridge News on Tuesday.
“We think (Murray Bridge) is the perfect defence precinct to be an additional hub outside of Edinburgh,” Murray said.
“It’s got the transport supply chain, it’s got a workforce and potentially more housing to come, it’s got support from the local council.
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“It has been overlooked for too long.”
On Sunday, Murray visited Murray Bridge for a catch-up with two local business leaders – Bowhill Engineering’s Jodie Hawkes and Kennewell’s Brett Kennewell – as well as the federal opposition’s defence industry spokeswoman, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price.
Also present were federal MP Tony Pasin, Mayor Wayne Thorley and council CEO Heather Barclay.
Senator Nampijinpa Price said Murray Bridge could play a key role on Australia’s defence and manufacturing landscape.
“If Australia is serious about strengthening our defence sovereignty, we must invest in our domestic supply chains and ensure that critical equipment and systems can be manufactured here,” Senator Nampijinpa Price said.
“Regional communities like Murray Bridge have the capability, innovation and drive to lead in this space.
“My focus is on making sure the policy environment backs them every step of the way.”
Regional businesses needed to be front and centre in conversations about Australia’s defence industry capability, Pasin said.
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“Murray Bridge is already home to advanced manufacturing and defence-related industries, and there is a clear appetite to build on that capability and expand local participation in defence supply chains.”
Australia would spend $100 billion growing its defence industry over the next decade, Pasin said.
Ares Armaments was established in 2024 to supply law enforcement agencies, the Australian Defence Force and allied nations.
Its product range includes guided weapons like the Aeon Zeus, an American-designed missile capable of being launched from a vehicle or shoulder mount, identifying targets and tracking them behind cover before detonating.
The company also produces more than a dozen types of ammunition, including ammo for unmanned combat drones and anti-drone munitions.
Thorley said it was his understanding that a Murray Bridge facility, if formally proposed and approved, would produce “components for the Australian defence industry”.
Murray Bridge is already home to an Australian Army range, the Murray Bridge Training Area; and to at least one other business which contributes to the nation’s defence supply chain.
No development application has yet been lodged for the proposed Ares facility.
A period of public consultation would likely be required as part of the approval process, regardless of whether such a process were managed by the local council or the State Planning Commission.
This story first appeared in the Murray Bridge News.
