Manufacturing progress at KONGSBERG’s missile factory in regional New South Wales was highlighted during a site visit by the Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP, as construction continues at the Astra Aerolab Defence & Aerospace Precinct in Williamtown.
KONGSBERG, alongside developer Newcastle Airport and builder Multiplex, hosted Minister Conroy and Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson MP to inspect progress on the missile manufacturing facility, which is intended to support Australia’s sovereign guided weapons manufacturing capability.
During the visit, the ministers toured the construction site and received briefings on construction milestones, workforce growth and planned production timelines for Naval Strike Missiles and Joint Strike Missiles for the Australian Defence Force.
KONGSBERG said the facility is expected to establish a missile manufacturing and maintenance capability in the Hunter region, with a focus on local manufacturing skills, jobs and long-term industrial capacity.
John Fry, Managing Director of Kongsberg Defence Australia, said the inspection demonstrated progress against government objectives.
“The establishment of a missile manufacturing capability at Williamtown marks an important milestone in strengthening Australia’s defence industry and ensuring we can produce and sustain critical capabilities at home,” Fry said, adding that the site would also operate as part of the company’s global missile production network.
Newcastle Airport chief executive Linc Horton said the project was contributing to advanced manufacturing capability in the region.
“We’re really pleased with the progress being made on Kongsberg Defence Australia’s new manufacturing facility at Astra Aerolab, which is strengthening advanced manufacturing in the Hunter and helping build Australia’s sovereign capability,” he said.
For Multiplex, the Williamtown project represents its first defence construction project in New South Wales. NSW regional managing director David Ghannoum said the company was drawing on its experience delivering secure government infrastructure.
“With an established presence and strong networks in the Hunter, we look forward to expanding our work with local communities and businesses and supporting sustainable employment pathways,” he said.
KONGSBERG said further updates on manufacturing milestones and workforce recruitment would be provided as construction progresses.
