The government of Australia has announced its decision to invest in the construction of a new factory for Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (‘KONGSBERG’) strike missiles in Newcastle, Australia.
The factory will manufacture and service KONGSBERG’s strike missiles to be used by the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Construction of the factory is expected to start later this year, the Australian government said in a press release.
The factory will manufacture and service Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) and Joint Strike Missiles (JSM) to be used by the Australian Defence Force (ADF). It will be one of only two world-class facilities capable of producing NSM and JSM with the other site in Kongsberg, Norway.
“Strong international demand for our strike missiles means we are expanding our footprint in selected countries. The missile factory will be the first to open outside Norway, which is a testament to the strong and growing relationship between KONGSBERG, Norway, and Australia in cooperating to develop current and future defense capabilities,” said Eirik Lie, president of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.
The government also announced its decision to include Kongsberg Defence Australia as one of its strategic partners in the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise. The GWEO Enterprise is backed by a commitment of $16 to $21 billion over the coming decade through the Government’s 2024 Integrated Investment Program.
“We are honored to have been selected as a strategic partner in the GWEO Enterprise and look forward to continuing to invest in Australia to support the armed forces while generating jobs and economic benefits in the local area,” said John Fry, managing director at Kongsberg Defence Australia.
Naval Strike Missile (NSM):
- Speed: High Subsonic
- Weight: 407 kg (897 lbs)
- Length: 3.96 m (156 inches)
- Range: >185 km (100 nm)
Joint Strike Missile (JSM):
- Speed: High Subsonic
- Weight: 416 kg (917 lbs)
- Length: 4.00 m (156 in)
- Range: >275 km (150 nm)
