Australia to Co-Produce Advanced Missiles with Norway's Kongsberg in Newcastle

Australia is set to jointly produce long-range Naval Strike Missiles and Joint Strike Missiles with Norway's Kongsberg Defence at Newcastle Airport precinct. The Australian government will invest A$850 million in this initiative. The facility will be one of the only two in the world for such production, enhancing Australia's defence capabilities.

Australia has announced plans to collaborate with Norway's Kongsberg Defence to manufacture long-range Naval Strike Missiles and Joint Strike Missiles at a facility in Newcastle. This will be the only site outside of Norway dedicated to this production.

Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy revealed that the Australian government would contribute A$850 million ($573.8 million) to this initiative, which is part of a broader effort to bolster the nation's long-range precision strike capabilities. This comes in response to increasing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.

The new manufacturing plant, located at the Newcastle Airport precinct, aims to make Australia more self-reliant and enhance war reserves, while also supporting the local economy and the country's defence industry. Conroy noted that this facility would be instrumental in Australia's broader defence strategy, including its involvement in the AUKUS defence technology partnership with the United States and Britain.

(With inputs from agencies.)