URGENT UPDATE: Kongsberg has officially confirmed that its new $850 million missile factory in Williamtown, Australia, is set to revolutionize the country’s defense capabilities. With construction underway, the facility will become one of only two global sites capable of producing both Naval Strike Missiles and Joint Strike Missiles, marking a significant leap in military technology.
The factory, spanning 9,000 square meters, is expected to be completed next year, with missile production commencing in 2027. This strategic initiative is part of the Australian government’s plan to enhance long-range, land-based maritime strike capabilities, with Kongsberg’s StrikeMaster system poised to play a central role.
Kongsberg Defence Australia has highlighted that the StrikeMaster Naval Strike Missile (NSM) Coastal Defence System (CDS) will be a precision-guided missile mounted on the Australian Bushmaster vehicle, produced at Thales Australia’s Bendigo plant. A representative from Kongsberg stated, “The Hunter region will be core to the delivery of the StrikeMaster NSM CDS capability.”
The Australian federal government is currently weighing its options for Project LAND 8113 Phase 2, with the Kongsberg system competing against Lockheed Martin’s Precision Strike Missile, which relies on American-made M142 HIMARS launchers. An announcement regarding the selection is anticipated by the end of the year, making this a critical moment for national defense.
Beyond the factory’s immediate impact, it promises to create 100 direct jobs while generating extensive supply chain opportunities across various components of the missile systems. The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is already utilizing the NSM, which has been in service with the Royal Australian Navy since 2024.
Experts emphasize the importance of this development for securing Australia’s defense landscape. The StrikeMaster is designed to engage targets over 300 kilometers away without emitting detectable signals, signifying a strategic advantage in modern warfare.
If selected for Project LAND 8113, the StrikeMaster will be manufactured and tested across secure facilities in Victoria, South Australia, and New South Wales, with the 10th Brigade of the Army set to operate the system from the Edinburgh Defence Precinct in South Australia.
This development not only underscores Australia’s commitment to advancing its military technology but also positions the nation within a competitive global defense market. As countries around the world seek to enhance their military capabilities, the eyes of defense analysts are now firmly on the outcomes from Kongsberg’s Williamtown factory.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops and the Australian government prepares to make its pivotal decision on the future of its long-range missile capabilities.
