Kongsberg Defence Australia Enhances Local Defense Capabilities.

Kongsberg Defence Australia, a subsidiary of the Norwegian Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace group, is stepping up its production activities in Australia, marking a significant shift following a period of stagnation in the Australian manufacturing sector. Historically dependent on technology imports, Australia is redirecting efforts to bolster its domestic manufacturing capabilities. This shift aligns with the Australian government's ambitions to become more self-reliant and resilient, particularly in shipbuilding and the production of guided weapons and explosive ordnance.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

NASAMS is a distributed and networked ground-based air defense system designed for short to medium-range and developed jointly by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA) and Raytheon (Picture source: Kongsberg)

Aligned with similar initiatives by the United States and the United Kingdom under the AUKUS framework, the Australian government is focusing on the development of nuclear submarines, offering promising prospects for the country's defense industry. In this context, Kongsberg Defence Australia is well-positioned to benefit from this initiative, thanks to its local production capabilities and proximity to industrial partners and key suppliers.

John Fry, the General Manager of Kongsberg Defence Australia, notes the company has transitioned from a marketing to a production presence in Australia. This change has led to an increase in staff and the growth of domestic manufacturing of critical capability solutions, along with the development of a national supply chain through its major programs.

The company is collaborating with the main contractor, Raytheon Australia, to provide the Australian Army with the NASAMS, a short to medium-range air defense system. Local production of NASAMS Fire Distribution Centres, which integrate and control all system elements, is a significant part of the program. To ensure success, Kongsberg has established partnerships with Australian suppliers such as REDARC Electronics and Daronmont Technologies. NASAMS uses various radars and sensors to detect and target aerial threats with AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles.

Programs like NASAMS have not only fostered the growth of local businesses but have also integrated them into Kongsberg's global supply chain, opening doors to future exports. The NASAMS system, now used by over 13 nations, has proven its reliability and effectiveness in the field, notably in Ukraine.

Additionally, Kongsberg supports Hanwha Defense Australia as part of the Protected Mobile Fires program, integrating tactical communication systems and Battle Management Systems into the Kongsberg CORTEX C4 solution. Fry describes this collaboration as "a Korean gun with a Norwegian brain," tailored to the ADF's force structures with new interfaces and capabilities.

Recently, Australia selected Kongsberg's NSM precision strike missile to replace the Harpoon Anti-Ship Missile capability on the Royal Australian Navy's ANZAC Class Frigates and Hobart Class Destroyers. The NSM, launchable from ships, vehicles, and helicopters, is recognized for its precision and operational flexibility. This program also includes a significant local production component, with partnerships established with companies based in Melbourne and Adelaide.

With these advancements, Kongsberg Defence Australia plans to open a new facility in Adelaide by June 2024. This site will incorporate production capabilities and offices, reinforcing the company's commitment to supporting local production and maintenance for current and future defense programs.

Defense News April 2024