Australia signs missile deal with Norway

Australia and Norway have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further support the acquisition and domestic manufacturing of missiles in Australia. The multilateral arrangement will enhance information sharing and collaboration between Australia, Norway and 10 other countries that use the Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile, which are developed by Norwegian defence company Kongsberg. The arrangement will support Australia to become a regional missile production hub.

The Strike Missile Family MoU supports Australia’s efforts to acquire, manufacture and maintain the Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile, in line with the 2026 National Defence Strategy and 2024 Australian Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Plan. The government is investing up to $850 million to enable Australia to locally manufacture and maintain the Naval Strike Missile, Joint Strike Missile and priority missile components. This includes the construction of a new missile factory in Newcastle, which will be able to produce missiles for the Australian Defence Force and partner nations from 2027.

These initiatives form part of the government’s investment of up to $36 billion over the decade to accelerate the acquisition and manufacture of longer-range munitions in Australia, in line with the 2026 Integrated Investment Program.

Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said: “The Albanese Government is investing up to $36 billion over the next decade to make missiles in Australia and uplift our weapons stocks, making our nation more self-reliant and resilient. This arrangement will support local jobs and a defence future made in Australia by enabling domestic manufacturing through cooperation with international partners.”

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