Kongsberg Defence Australia has secured two major export contracts valued at a total of A$80m ($52m).
The deals involve the supply of missile launchers and command and control consoles, which will be manufactured in South Australia and exported to several European countries.
These contracts are a direct result of Australia’s Naval Strike Missile procurement agreement, which stipulated certain components be produced domestically.
The first contract, worth A$30m, is for the delivery of Naval Strike Missile Coastal Defence System Command and Control Consoles to Poland.
This marks Kongsberg Defence Australia's first export under the Commonwealth’s Global Supply Chain Program.
Kongsberg Defence Australia was added to the programme, consequently granting Australian defence industries access to new opportunities.
Additionally, the company has obtained a separate A$50m order for Naval Strike Missile Launcher Systems that will be shipped to Spain and Denmark.
The production of these defence hardware items will take place at Kongsberg Defence Australia’s facility in Mawson Lakes, South Australia.
Both the launcher systems and command and control consoles will also be assembled and tested.
Notably, all components and subsystems used in manufacturing will be sourced from Australian companies located in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney, emphasising 100% Australian-made commitment.
These export agreements are anticipated to generate 60 jobs within Kongsberg Defence Australia and its local supply chain.
The Naval Strike Missile is an advanced anti-ship cruise missile capable of engaging both naval vessels and land targets.
The missile is slated for installation on the Royal Australian Navy’s Hobart-class destroyers and Anzac-class frigates, with a successful initial firing expected in July 2024 followed by an initial operational capability declaration within the same year.
These exports align with the Australian Government's broader strategy to invest in the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance enterprise.
This initiative is supported by a projected investment ranging from A$16bn to A$21bn over the coming decade as outlined in defence’s Integrated Investment Program.
Australia Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said: “This is an exciting milestone for Australia’s sovereign defence manufacturing industry and a proud moment for Australian businesses to enter the global supply chain for missile manufacturing.
“It will be the first time Naval Strike Missile launchers are manufactured outside of Europe and the United States, positioning Australia as a trusted source of supply to the Naval Strike Missile capability.
“These deals underscore the government’s commitment to working alongside our industry partners to strengthen Australia’s role in the global defence industry.”
