Contract signed to establish Australia’s first missile factory
28 March 25
Defence has signed a contract with Kongsberg Defence Australia to establish Australia’s first guided weapons production factory in Newcastle, NSW. This is the next step towards implementing the announcement made by the Australian Government on 22 August 2024.
The world-class factory, to be built at the Newcastle Airport precinct, will manufacture and service the Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile for the ADF and international partners.
Missile production at the factory is anticipated to start in 2027. Based on current schedules, the new Australian facility will be the first outside of Norway to manufacture and maintain both the Naval Strike Missile and the Joint Strike Missile.
The project reflects ongoing investment outlined in the Australian Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Plan, underpinned by a commitment in the Defence Integrated Investment Program of $16 to $21 billion over the next decade.
Defence continues to deliver on the rapid establishment of domestic missile manufacturing and accelerated acquisition of long-range strike capability, advancing Australia’s national security.
Source: Defence Press Release