Breaking News: Australia to Produce Its First Naval Strike Missile Launchers for Export to Europe.

Two export contracts worth a total of USD 80 million have been awarded to Kongsberg Defence Australia for the supply of missile launchers and command and control consoles to several European countries. Announced on 14 August 2025 by the Australian Government, these agreements involve deliveries to Poland, Spain, and Denmark. They are part of the national Global Supply Chain Program, which the company joined in 2024, and represent the first production of Naval Strike Missile launchers outside Europe and the United States.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The Naval Strike Missile is a modern anti-ship cruise missile designed to neutralise high-capability warships as well as land targets (Picture source: Kongsberg)

Through this program, South Australian companies are now contributing to the export of advanced defence equipment to Europe. Via its parent company, Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace, based in Norway, Kongsberg Defence Australia will supply Poland with command and control consoles for the Naval Strike Missile Coastal Defence System under a first contract valued at USD 30 million. The second contract, worth USD 50 million, covers the production in Australia of Naval Strike Missile launcher systems for Spain and Denmark.

These projects mark a development in Australia’s national capacity to produce guidance and weapons systems. The launchers and consoles will be assembled and tested at the company’s production and maintenance facility in Mawson Lakes, South Australia, using components and subsystems sourced entirely from Australian companies based in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. Around 60 highly skilled jobs will be created or sustained at Kongsberg Defence Australia and across its local supply chain.

In the current context of regional and international tensions, the ability to produce advanced defence systems quickly has become a decisive strategic factor. Full control of the manufacturing process in Australia reduces delays associated with imports, secures the supply of critical components and enables faster responses to urgent operational requirements, whether for national armed forces or foreign customers.

Production speed also provides a competitive advantage in the international arms market, where the ability to meet orders within short deadlines can play a significant role in securing new contracts. By relying on an existing and operational local industrial network, Kongsberg Defence Australia positions itself as a supplier capable of ensuring quality, reliability and responsiveness in meeting the evolving requirements of the defence sector.

The Naval Strike Missile is a modern anti-ship cruise missile designed to neutralise high-capability warships as well as land targets. It is being integrated onto the Royal Australian Navy’s Hobart-class destroyers and Anzac-class frigates, with a first qualification firing from an Australian Navy vessel completed in July 2024 and initial operational capability declared the same year.

Developed by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, the NSM combines range, stealth and precision to serve as a versatile weapon system. Its aerodynamic design and high thrust-to-weight ratio provide high manoeuvrability. Fully passive to reduce detection, it can fly at sea-skimming altitude and perform advanced terminal manoeuvres to evade air defences. Its seeker includes an Autonomous Target Recognition (ATR) capability to ensure correct target identification and engagement. With a range of more than 300 km, high subsonic speed, a length of 3.96 m and a weight of 407 kg, it can be launched from various platforms, including naval vessels, land-based systems and, in certain configurations, aircraft.

These exports are part of the Australian Government’s investment in the guided weapons and munitions sector, supported by the Defence Integrated Investment Program, which allocates between USD 16 and 21 billion over the next decade. According to Australia’s Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy, the contracts confirm the national industry’s ability to integrate into the global supply chain for missile systems and mark a first in the production of NSM launchers outside Europe and the United States. South Australia’s Minister for Defence and Space Industries, Stephen Mullighan, highlighted the economic and employment impact for the state, while Kongsberg Defence Australia’s Managing Director, John Fry, pointed to the opportunities these projects create for Australian suppliers and the proven reliability of the domestic production base.

These contracts represent a major step for Australia’s defence industry, combining local economic benefits, access to new European markets and a strengthened position as a recognised producer and exporter of missile systems.