New missile manufacturing plant to be established in Newcastle, Australia

A new missile manufacturing plant will be established in Newcastle, Australia, to produce and maintain naval missiles for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Construction is set to begin later this year, marking a significant advancement for Australia’s defense industry.

The Australian government is investing AUD 850 million, approximately NOK 6 billion, to build the facility. This plant will be the first of its kind outside Norway, highlighting the robust relationship between Kongsberg, Norway, and Australia. Eirik Lie, the managing director of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, expressed enthusiasm over this development, noting the company’s longstanding presence in Australia.

Norwegian Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram described the project as a milestone for both Kongsberg and the Norwegian defense sector. He emphasized that this recognition not only affirms Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace’s capabilities but also showcases how Norwegian-developed defense technology contributes to global security.

Minister Gram is scheduled to embark on a significant tour of Asia and Australia next month, during which he will attend the official opening of another Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace manufacturing facility in Adelaide, located in southern Australia. He stressed the growing importance of events in the Pacific region for Norway and underscored the nation’s capability to contribute to regional security.