The factory will manufacture and maintain the KONGSBERG missiles for the Australian armed forces. Construction of the factory is scheduled to begin later this year, the Australian government said in a press release.
The Australian government announced that it would contribute up to A$850 million to the manufacture and maintenance of missiles in Newcastle in partnership with Kongsberg Defence Australia. This includes the construction of a new factory in the vicinity of Newcastle Airport in New South Wales, about 120 kilometres north of Sydney.
“Strong international demand for our attack missiles means we are expanding our presence in selected countries. The missile factory will be the first to open outside Norway, underlining the strong and growing relationship between KONGSBERG, Norway and Australia in working together to develop current and future defence capabilities,” said Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.
The Government also announced that it will engage Kongsberg Defence Australia as one of its strategic partners in the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise. The GWEO Enterprise will be supported by the Government’s Integrated Investment Program 2024 with a commitment of $16-21 billion over the coming decade.
“We are honoured to have been selected as a strategic partner for the GWEO venture and look forward to continuing to invest in Australia to support the Defence Force while creating jobs and economic benefits in the region,” said John Fry, Managing Director of Kongsberg Defence Australia.
NSM and JSM
The NSM is an anti-ship missile with superior operational performance and high survivability against all enemy defense systems. The missile was developed by KONGSBERG and first deployed by the Norwegian Navy in 2012. The air-launched JSM is currently being integrated into the F-35 fighter aircraft.
The NSM is the main weapon of the Norwegian Navy’s frigates and coastal corvettes and has been selected by 13 other countries, including Australia. The JSM has so far been selected by Norway, Japan and the US Air Force.
