Australia announced an $850 million partnership with Kongsberg Defence Australia to manufacture and service missiles at Williamtown near Newcastle. The initiative aligns with the 2024 National Defence Strategy, focusing on enhancing long-range precision strike capabilities and domestic munitions production.
Australia’s Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Minister Pat Conroy emphasized the strategic importance of this investment, stating, “This is about investing in our advanced, high-tech manufacturing industry and developing our sovereign defence industrial base in areas which have been identified as strategic priorities, which in turn means we can accelerate capability delivery to the ADF.”
The project will upgrade the ADF’s maritime and land strike capabilities. Naval strike missiles (NSM) will enhance Hobart-class destroyers and Anzac-class frigates, replacing the Harpoon anti-ship missile. HMAS Sydney successfully test-fired an NSM in July 2024.
Joint strike missiles (JSM), compatible with Lockheed Martin F-35A aircraft, will also be produced. Both NSM and JSM are designed to counter advanced enemy warships and engage land-based targets.
The initiative involves constructing a state-of-the-art factory within the Newcastle Airport precinct. This facility will produce and maintain NSMs and JSMs for the ADF. It will be only the second facility worldwide capable of manufacturing these advanced missiles, alongside the existing site in Kongsberg, Norway.
The Australian Government has designated Kongsberg Defence Australia as a strategic partner in the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise. This enterprise is supported by a $21 billion commitment over the next decade through the 2024 Integrated Investment Program.
This project strengthens Australia’s defense autonomy, stimulates the local economy, and enhances the nation’s strategic position in the Indo-Pacific region.
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