Norwegian technology and Defence group Kongsberg will increase its Australian workforce to more than 50 as part of a new strategic expansion into Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace, said the expansion was part of a long-term focus on Australia.
“Kongsberg has a long and successful 30-year history of partnership with the ADF and Australian local industry – helping to create jobs, boost the economy and build Australian capabilities,” Lie said.
“We are establishing a bigger footprint in Australia as we believe there are strong opportunities in the Australian defence industry.”
Kongsberg is in the process of acquiring Rolls Royce Commercial Marine which has operations in Melbourne and Perth. Minister for Defence Industry Steve Ciobo recently opened Kongsberg’s new Canberra office, which will become its business development and strategy hub for defence activities in Australia.
Kongsberg is a Tier 1 supplier for the Penguin Anti-Ship Missile, the RAAF E-7A Wedgetail, Australian Tactical Interfaces, the Joint Strike Missile, Remote Weapon Stations, and is working with Raytheon to supply the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS).