Kongsberg starts construction of cruise missile plant in Australia

8 December, 2024 Plant for the production of NSM and JSM anti-ship missiles. Photo: Kongsberg The Norwegian company Kongsberg has launched construction of the first cruise missile production plant in Australia.

The Australian Defense reported this. Construction of the new plant has started on the territory of the Astra Aerolab business park, which is adjacent to the Royal Australian Air Force base in Williamstown. The new missile plant in Australia will service and produce NSM (Naval Strike Missile) and air-launched cruise missiles JSM (Joint Strike Missile), used as both strike and anti-ship missiles.

Representatives of Kongsberg Defence Australia during the groundbreaking ceremony for the plant.

Photo: Kongsberg

The new plant will primarily meet the needs of the Australian Defense Force, one of the main users of Kongsberg missile products, to equip the surface fleet and F-35A fighter jets. In addition, exports will be a lower priority but important area of the company's business. Demand for this type of missile remains high, as a significant number of countries have already placed orders.

"This project is a testament to the Commonwealth of Australia's commitment to establishing domestic production of Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO). As a Strategic Partner of the GWEO Enterprise, we are delighted to be involved in this endeavor in support of the defense of our nation and its interests," Kongsberg Defence Australia's Managing Director John Fry pointed out. Construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026, with missile production beginning in 2027 and reaching full production capacity in 2028.

Representatives of Kongsberg Defence Australia during the groundbreaking ceremony for the plant.

Photo: Kongsberg

In addition to Australia, a new missile production plant will also be built in the United States. Like the Australian one, this plant will provide the US Navy and Air Force with Norwegian missiles, meeting their needs for modern strike and anti-ship systems. Militarnyi previously reported that Kongsberg Defense and Aerospace (KONGSBERG) will build a modern missile manufacturing plant in the United States to meet global demand.

In addition, the company has opened a plant to produce anti-ship missiles in the Norwegian city of Kongsberg, where the company will produce anti-ship missiles of the JSM and NSM families through a large package of export orders.