Lockheed Martin’s Huntsville facility played host to the Australian ambassador to the United States, where the defense contractor’s representatives discussed efforts undertaken by the company to support the nation’s new ambitious defense initiative.

The Australian Embassy said Ambassador Arthur Sinodinos and Lockheed Martin officials held “productive discussions” relating to space and the defense giant’s plans to support the Oceania country’s sovereign guided weapons establishment.

Earlier this year, Lockheed Martin announced it will coordinate with Australian defense contractor Thales Australia to advance the delivery of the nation’s guided weapons manufacturing capability in support of a sovereign national guided weapons enterprise.

According to the company, the industry partners will cooperate in the design, development and production of Lockheed Martin’s Long Range Anti-Ship Missile – Surface Launch (LRASM SL) variant, with a specific focus on booster and rocket motor technologies.

Concerning Lockheed Martin’s work in North Alabama to meet United States national defense priorities, its Huntsville-based operations actively work in support of the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS), which plays a critical role in protecting the homeland from ever-evolving threats.

Lockheed Martin’s partnership with the Australian government and the nation’s defense industry proves the aerospace giant’s commitment to delivering for the strategic national security priorities of not only the United States but its allies as well.

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL