Australia has signed a $142 million deal to locally produce Joint Strike Missiles for its F-35A aircraft. This project, in partnership with Kongsberg Defence Australia, aims to enhance the country’s strategic autonomy while supporting the local economy. Discover how this partnership could be a game-changer for Australian defense.
Australia Partners with Kongsberg for $142 Million Joint Strike Missile Production
By Alban Albanese
Last modified on September 6, 2024 7:15 am
Australia has taken a significant step in strengthening its military sovereignty by signing a $142 million deal to locally produce Joint Strike Missiles (JSM). Designed by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, these missiles are intended to equip the Royal Australian Air Force’s F-35A Lightning II aircraft, providing long-range strike capability while preserving the aircraft’s stealth features.
- A $142 million deal was signed between Australia and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace to produce Joint Strike Missiles (JSM) for F-35A aircraft.
- Construction of a new facility i500 jobs during
- The project is part of Australia’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) programmunitions manufacturing c
- The JSM missiles, with a range of over 275 km, are designed to fit into the internal weapons bay of the F-35A, maintaining the aircraft’s stealth capabilities.
- This strategic partnership with Kongsberg supports the creation of a global supply chain for guided weapons while stimulating the local Australian economy.
A Strategic Contract for F-35As
The contract, valued at AUD 142 million, marks a key milestone for Australia’s air defense. The JSMs are precision-guided cruise missiles capable of hitting targets at over 275 kilometers. They are designed to be carried within the internal weapons bay of the F-35A, thereby maintaining the aircraft's essential stealth characteristics for operations in hostile environments.
The JSMs use a combination of GPS guidance, infrared imaging, and inertial navigation systems for enhanced precision. They are optimized for anti-surface warfare and land attack missions, capable of striking targets with high accuracy even in contested areas. Their integration into the F-35A significantly boosts the strike capabilities of Australian forces, extending their operational range and effectiveness on the battlefield.
A New Facility to Support Local Industry
As part of this deal, a new facility will be constructed in Williamtown, near Newcastle, in partnership with Kongsberg Defence Australia. This site will be one of only two worldwide dedicated to JSM production, the other being in Norway. The construction of this facility will create over 500 jobs during the initial phase and is expected to generate nearly $100 million in economic benefits for the region.
The Williamtown facility will focus not only on producing Joint Strike Missiles but also on maintaining Naval Strike Missiles (NSM), providing a domestic manufacturing capability that reduces Australia’s dependence on foreign supply chains. This effort is part of the government’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) program, aiming to invest up to $21 billion over the next decade to bolster local production of munitions and guided weapons.
Enhancing Australian Sovereignty and Economy
Defense Minister Richard Marles emphasized the importance of this investment for Australia’s national security and economy. "This partnership with Kongsberg enhances our ability to strike targets at long range while creating jobs and economic opportunities for local communities," he said.
By producing JSM missiles locally, Australia seeks to reduce its reliance on imports and more effectively meet its defense needs. This project is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the capabilities of the national military industry, a crucial strategic asset in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.
This development goes beyond simple missile production; it represents a profound transformation in how Australia envisions its security and autonomy in the coming years, while contributing to regional economic stability through sustainable job creation and the construction of a robust industrial infrastructure.