Australia and Kongsberg Partner on Missile Manufacturing

Joint Venture to Boost Australian Defense Capabilities

850 Million Investment to Establish Missile Factory in Newcastle

Australia and Norway have joined forces in a significant defense partnership that will see the joint manufacture of long-range naval and air-to-surface missiles.

The Australian government has pledged an investment of up to 850 million Australian dollars ($573 million) to Kongsberg Defense Australia, a subsidiary of Norwegian defense company Kongsberg Gruppen. The partnership aims to establish a state-of-the-art missile manufacturing facility near Newcastle Airport in New South Wales.

The new facility will produce both Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) and Joint Strike Missiles (JSM), which will significantly enhance the capabilities of the Australian Defence Force.

Key Points:

* Australia to invest 850 million Australian dollars in partnership with Kongsberg Defense Australia * New missile factory to be built near Newcastle Airport * Facility to produce Naval Strike Missiles and Joint Strike Missiles * Partnership will boost Australian defense capabilities

Benefits of the Partnership:

* Increased local production of critical defense equipment * Creation of high-value jobs in Australia * Enhanced technological capabilities for the Australian defense industry * Closer collaboration between Australia and Norway in defense cooperation

The investment is expected to generate significant economic benefits for Australia, including the creation of hundreds of high-value jobs in the defense industry.

The partnership is also seen as a major step forward in Australia's defense modernization program, which aims to equip the Australian Defence Force with the latest technologies and capabilities.

The project is expected to be completed by 2028, with the first missiles scheduled to be produced by 2030.

Additional Information:

* The Naval Strike Missile is a long-range, sea-skimming anti-ship missile designed to target surface vessels. * The Joint Strike Missile is an air-to-surface missile designed for use by fighter aircraft. * Kongsberg Defense Australia is a leading provider of defense solutions to the Australian government.