First introduced to BAE Systems Australia through the F-35 program, AW Bell is a proven Victorian casting manufacturer established in 1952.
“We identified AW Bell as a strong fit to our then recently acquired ESSM contract and to deliver Australia’s first-ever titanium cast missile structure through technology development and investment activities”, said Gareth O’Beirne, Senior Manufacturing Manager at BAE Systems Australia.
“AW Bell brings deep expertise in precision casting and a strong willingness to invest in new technology and capability,” said Mr O’Beirne.
That combination is critical as we continue to develop the industrial capacity needed to support complex defence programs,” he said.
Partnerships like this demonstrate how collaboration between defence primes and capable Australian suppliers can deliver real outcomes – supporting sovereign capability while also creating opportunities for Australian industry to participate in global defence programs.”Gareth O’Beirne, Senior Manufacturing Manager at BAE Systems Australia
Setting up Australia's first titanium casting manufacturing capability commenced in 2020 as a Defence Innovation Hub (now Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator) initiative.
BAE Systems was AW Bell's first customer for this new capability, placing an order in 2023. BAE Systems’ industry capability team worked with AW Bell throughout the journey and in the third quarter of 2025, AW Bell successfully completed its first article, marking Australia's first titanium cast missile component.
Production is now in full swing with the first deliveries made in December 2025.
We are really proud of the partnership we have developed with BAE Systems Australia. Their trust allowed us to prove this new sovereign capability on a global platform which also defends Australians.”Sam Bell, Chief Executive Officer at AW Bell
“In what has been a true collaborative effort between AW Bell, BAE Systems and government, we celebrate Australia’s first titanium investment castings being manufactured in country,” said Mr Bell.
“As a Partnering4Success partner we look forward to more opportunities with BAE Systems globally.”
Mr Bell said that building such capability locally is an important step in strengthening Australia’s advanced manufacturing base and defence supply chain.
“Titanium casting is a highly specialised process and a sought-after capability internationally. Having this here in Australia allows us to work with partners such as BAE Systems to strengthen sovereign manufacturing capability,” he said.
This relationship continues to grow, with support provided to secure funding for further expansion of AW Bell’s titanium capability across other defence customers.
The partnership enables opportunities across the Australian enterprise to be explored, while the Global Supply Chain Team has been making introductions and seeking opportunities within BAE Systems’ global network.
Australian companies such as AW Bell are essential partners in BAE Systems’ supply chain, critical to delivering important defence programs ranging from the ESSM to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
The ESSM is a medium-range, surface-to-air missile designed to protect warships from advanced anti-ship cruise missiles. Building on the proven Sea Sparrow missile, the ESSM features a larger rocket motor, thrust vector control, and aerodynamic fins, giving it enhanced speed, agility, and manoeuvrability to intercept high-speed, evasive threats.