Kongsberg to Establish Australia's First Missile Factory

Australia has signed a contract with Kongsberg Defence Australia to establish its first guided weapons production facility at Newcastle Airport, New South Wales, marking a step in the country’s missile manufacturing capabilities.

The factory, expected to begin production in 2027, will manufacture and maintain the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and Joint Strike Missile (JSM) for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and allied nations. It will be the first facility outside Norway to produce both missile systems.

The project is part of Australia’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Plan, backed by a $16 to $21 billion investment under the Defence Integrated Investment Program over the next decade. This initiative aligns with Australia's efforts to accelerate domestic missile manufacturing and strengthen long-range strike capabilities.

Chief of Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance, Air Marshal Leon Phillips OAM, said, “This world-class factory is an Australian-first and, based on current schedules, will be the first outside of Norway to manufacture and maintain both the Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile.”