The Kongsberg Defence Australia-run facility is set to be part of the Astra Aerolab precinct
Ashurst has assisted Newcastle Airport with its arrangements for the inaugural guided weapons manufacturing and maintenance facility in Australia.
Kongsberg Defence Australia will run the facility, which is set to be part of the Astra Aerolab precinct at the airport. The facility will produce and maintain the Australian Defence Force’s Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile – only the second facility aside from Norway to do so per March schedules.
The facility enables sovereign defence manufacturing in Australia. The contract with Kongsberg was signed in March.
The project highlights the current investment listed in the Australian Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Plan, which is underpinned by a $16bn-$21bn commitment in the Defence Integrated Investment Program over the next 10 years.
Missile production at the facility is expected to start in 2027.
“It will supply missiles for both the ADF and international partners, enhancing regional security and contributing to stronger and more assured global supply chain for guided weapons”, chief of guided weapons and explosive ordnance Leon Phillips OAM said in a media release.
Partner Chris Redden headed up the Ashurst team, which consisted of partners Adam Skibsted and Kelly Hairsine, counsel Stephen Blair, senior associate Kimberley Garth, consultant Damian Salsbury, and lawyers Connor McFadden and Rachel Sweeney.
