Boosting defence manufacturing in NSW
Kongsberg Defence Australia (KONGSBERG) will build Australia’s first missile manufacturing facility in Williamtown, NSW. The factory will produce and maintain two missile systems:
- Naval Strike Missile (NSM)
- Joint Strike Missile (JSM)
The facility will be located at Astra Aerolab and will support the Australian Defence Force and global defence partners.
NSW Government support
Investment NSW worked with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) to support KONGSBERG’s proposal to the Australian Government. This included:
- identifying potential factory locations
- connecting KONGSBERG with local suppliers
- providing workforce and employment data.
On 22 August 2024, the Australian Government announced up to $850 million to help establish the facility.
Local jobs and long-term growth
The new Williamtown facility will:
- cover 25,000 square metres
- create around 500 jobs during construction and early operations
- be KONGSBERG’s first missile facility outside Norway.
Preparatory work is complete. Construction is due to finish in 2026, with missile production starting in 2027.
This investment boosts NSW’s role in Australia’s defence industry and supports future exports.
Source
This case study is based on the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy (see page 71).