Kongsberg begins construction of advanced missile manufacturing facility in Australia

Located within the Astra Aerolab Business Park, the facility is strategically positioned near Newcastle Airport and RAAF Base Williamtown, Australia’s largest fighter aircraft base and home to the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter. The site will serve as a hub for producing and maintaining Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and Joint Strike Missile (JSM), both advanced, fifth-generation cruise missiles capable of maritime and land strikes.

The Williamtown facility will prioritise the needs of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) while meeting growing global demand for Kongsberg’s missile systems. This development complements expansions in Norway and plans for a similar missile factory in the United States, further solidifying Kongsberg’s role as a global leader in guided weapons technology.

John Fry, Managing Director of Kongsberg Defence Australia, emphasised the project’s national significance. “This project is a testament to the Commonwealth of Australia’s commitment to establishing domestic production of Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO),” Fry said. He highlighted the collaborative efforts with the GWEO Group, NSW State Government, and Newcastle Airport to realise the initiative.

The facility is expected to create over 500 jobs in the Hunter region and deliver $100 million in economic benefits. It will also open opportunities for local suppliers to participate in the production and manufacturing of these advanced weapons systems, further boosting regional economic growth.

Preparatory site work has already begun, with construction anticipated to conclude by mid-2026. Production is scheduled to start in 2027, scaling to full-rate production by the end of 2028.