Credit: Salty Dingo

Kongsberg Defence Australia has officially opened its Newcastle office, marking another major milestone for the company. The new premises will accommodate Kongsberg Defence Australia’s expanding local workforce, which has more than doubled this year.

The Newcastle office forms part of KONGSBERG’s broader investment in the Hunter Region, including the establishment of a state-of-the-art missile manufacturing and maintenance facility at the Astra Aerolab precinct near Newcastle Airport, Kongsberg’s first missile factory outside Norway.

The move follows the Commonwealth of Australia’s commitment for the local missile manufacture and maintenance of the KONGSBERG Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and Joint Strike Missile (JSM), creating over 500 jobs during the construction and establishment phase of the program, and injecting more than $100 million into the Hunter’s local economy.

Once completed and operational, this factory will commence production in 2027 and will significantly expand KONGSBERG’s capacity in Australia, creating 100 highly skilled jobs and strengthening 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.

The new office will serve as a base during the construction of the Kongsberg Missile Factory, supporting Kongsberg Defence Australia’s growing local engineering, supply chain and project teams.

“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.