Under the Memorandum of Understanding, Australia, Norway and ten additional operator nations of the Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile will expand cooperation and information sharing related to the missile programmes. Both missile systems are produced by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.
Australian officials said the agreement supports the country’s ambition to become a regional hub for missile production, maintenance and sustainment. The initiative is aligned with the 2026 National Defence Strategy and the 2024 Australian Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Plan.
The Albanese Government is investing up to AUD850 million to establish domestic manufacturing and maintenance capability for the Naval Strike Missile, Joint Strike Missile and other priority missile components. The investment includes the development of a new missile production facility in Newcastle, which is expected to begin manufacturing missiles for the Australian Defence Force and allied partners from 2027.
According to the government, the missile production programme is part of a broader investment plan worth up to AUD36 billion over the next decade focused on accelerating the acquisition and local manufacture of longer-range munitions. The initiative is linked to the 2026 Integrated Investment Program and Australia’s long-term defence industrial expansion plans.
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,” Conroy added.
Source: Australian Government.
