Kongsberg cruise missiles to be made in Australia
AUSTRALIA’S government has announced a US$573.8 million partnership with Kongsberg Defence Australia to establish a manufacturing facility in Newcastle on the eastern coast of Australia. It is set to be the second Kongsberg manufacturing plant and sole facility outside Norway.
According to Australia’s Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy, the facility will manufacture and service Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) and Joint Strike Missiles (JSM) for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
An Australian Department of Defence (DOD) statement read, “construction of this factory, expected to start later this year, represents a leap forward for Australia’s defence industry that highlights the Government’s commitment to a future made in Australia. The Albanese Government is including Kongsberg Defence Australia as a strategic partner in the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise. The GWEO Enterprise is backed by a commitment of up to $21 billion over the coming decade through the Government’s 2024 Integrated Investment Program.”
The NSM will enhance the maritime and land strike capabilities of Hobart class destroyers and Anzac class frigates, and will replace the Harpoon anti-ship missile, supporting the increased lethality of the enhanced surface combatant fleet. HMAS Sydney test-fired a NSM in July 2024.-shp/adj/dl (Pix:KONGSBERG)
