The new site will serve as a key base during the construction of Kongsberg’s upcoming missile manufacturing and maintenance facility at Astra Aerolab near Newcastle Airport. This will be Kongsberg’s first missile factory outside Norway and a central part of its Australian growth strategy.
The move follows the Australian Government’s commitment to local manufacture and maintenance of Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and Joint Strike Missile (JSM). This investment is expected to create over 500 jobs during the establishment phase and contribute more than $100 million to the local economy.
Once completed and operational in 2027, the factory will create 100 highly skilled jobs and significantly expand Kongsberg’s capacity in Australia. It will also play a key role in enhancing Australia’s sovereign defence capability.
“The opening of our Newcastle office is another tangible step towards Kongsberg delivering upon its commitments as a Strategic Partner to the Commonwealth’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise. We are investing in people and partnerships to ensure that Kongsberg’s proven technology can be manufactured and maintained right here in the Hunter, for the Australian Defence Force,” said John Fry, Managing Director, Kongsberg Defence Australia.
“Newcastle and the Hunter region is at the heart of Australia’s future defence manufacturing capability. We have partnered with local developer Greater Newcastle Aerotropolis Pty Ltd, EJE Architects, and Multiplex, who in turn bring many local companies to support construction and delivery of this facility, creating lasting benefits for the region,” says Josh Scanlon, Kongsberg Defence Australia’s recently appointed Director Operations – Kongsberg Missile Factory.
