Kongsberg Defence Australia has broken ground on its planned missile factory in Williamtown near Newcastle. This state-of-the-art facility is located within the Astra Aerolab Business Park, Australia’s newest defence and aerospace precinct, directly adjoining Newcastle Airport and RAAF Base Williamtown. RAAF Williamtown is Australia’s largest fighter aircraft base and home to the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter.
The missile factory will manufacture and maintain its Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and Joint Strike Missile (JSM) – both highly advanced, fifth generation cruise missiles capable of both maritime strike and land attack. Both missile types are being acquired by the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The Williamtown factory will prioritise the needs of the ADF whilst providing capacity to meet growing global demand, following the expansion in Norway and the recent announcement of a further missile factory planned for the US.
John Fry, Kongsberg Defence Australia’s Managing Director stated, “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 endeavour in support of the defence of our nation and its interests. We have worked collaboratively with the GWEO Group, NSW State Government, and Newcastle Airport to get to the position where we can break ground on this project of national importance.”
The facility will create more than 500 jobs in the Hunter region and will inject $100 million in economic benefits, as well as create opportunities for local Australian suppliers to support the production and manufacturing of these weapons. Preparatory site works of this facility have commenced with construction expected to be completed by the middle of 2026. Missile manufacturing will begin from 2027, ramping up to full rate production by the end of 2028.
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