Australia has announced plans to jointly manufacture long-range Naval Strike Missiles and Joint Strike Missiles with Norway’s Kongsberg Defence in Newcastle, located on the eastern coast of the country. This facility will be the only one outside of Norway.
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy revealed that the Australian government will invest A$850 million (approximately $573.8 million) to develop this manufacturing facility at the Newcastle Airport precinct later this year. According to the minister, these anti-ship cruise missiles will be utilized by the Australian Defence Force and will be one of only two facilities globally capable of producing such missiles, with the other located in Norway.
The initiative is part of Australia’s broader plan to enhance its guided weapons manufacturing capabilities amid increasing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. Additionally, Australia is partnering with the United States and Britain under the AUKUS defense technology agreement to develop a hypersonic missile and will begin co-manufacturing guided missiles with the U.S. next year.
Conroy’s office stated that establishing the manufacturing facility at Newcastle will enhance Australia’s self-reliance, increase its stockpile of weaponry, and support both the local economy and the national defense industry.