The Brigadier General who commanded the US Army’s armament centre of excellence has been appointed to the inaugural advisory board of the Australian Missile Corporation (AMC).

Alfred F Abramson led the US Army’s development of advanced munitions from the Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey where he was stationed as Joint Program Executive Officer Armaments & Ammunition and the Commanding General from 2017-2020.

Picatinny Arsenal is the US Army’s headquarters for armament research and development, with more than 6500 military, government and civilian personnel and a highly skilled workforce of technicians, scientists, and engineers.

The AMC was launched earlier this year in response to the Australian Government’s plan to accelerate a sovereign guided missiles enterprise.

Robert Nioa, CEO of NIOA and the AMC, said Alfred’s global perspective would strengthen the depth of experience, talent and knowledge on the board.

The AMC board’s mission is to assist the executive team, advising on industry trends, providing insights, and thought leadership, as well as identifying business development and strategic growth opportunities.

‘’We are excited to welcome Al to the board,’’ Mr Nioa said. ‘’As well as being a widely respected leader during service to his nation, he has a track record of directing, planning and overseeing key US Army modernisation projects.

‘’This experience will be invaluable to the AMC as we work closely with government, industry, academia and key strategic partners to create new defence manufacturing opportunities in Australia to provide our defence forces with the best equipment possible.’’

After drawing the curtain in 2020 on a distinguished Army career spanning 30 years, Alfred was appointed Vice President, Strategy and Plans for Patricio Enterprises which provides services to the US Department of Defense across command levels and mission areas.

He studied at John Hopkins University and holds degrees in chemistry as well as graduate degrees in national security and strategic studies from the US Naval Command College and Army War College.

In taking up his position on the AMC board, Alfred said: ‘’I am thrilled to be joining the board of AMC at an important time in the defence industry for America’s greatest ally.

‘’With my background in running programs aligned with the USA’s national security strategy, I feel strongly aligned with the AMC’s vision to support the Australian Government’s commitment to strengthen and grow domestic defence industry.’’

Launched earlier this year, the Australian Missile Corporation was founded by NIOA - the largest Australian-owned supplier of weapons and munitions to the Australian Defence Force.

It was set up to facilitate collaboration between industry partners, academia, state governments and Defence in response to the Australian Government’s call to establish a sovereign guided weapons enterprise.