Australia to Invest in New Kongsberg Missile Factory in Newcastle

The Australian government has announced its decision to invest in the construction of a new factory for Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) strike missiles in Newcastle, New South Wales.

This facility will be the first of its kind outside Norway and will manufacture and service KONGSBERG’s strike missiles for use by the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

The new factory, to be located in the Newcastle Airport precinct, is part of a broader partnership between the Australian government and Kongsberg Defence Australia. The government has pledged up to AUD $850 million towards this initiative. Construction of the factory is expected to begin later this year.

The Australian government also revealed that Kongsberg Defence Australia will be a strategic partner in its Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise. The GWEO Enterprise is a key element of the government's 2024 Integrated Investment Program, which commits between AUD $16 and $21 billion over the next decade.

KONGSBERG’s Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and Joint Strike Missile (JSM) will be among the products manufactured at the new facility. The NSM, an anti-ship missile known for its high survivability and operational performance, is the primary weapon for the Norwegian Navy and has been adopted by 13 other countries, including Australia. The JSM, designed for air-launch and currently being integrated into the F-35 fighter aircraft, has been selected by Norway, Japan, and the U.S. Air Force.