South Australian based Aerobond and Kongsberg Defence Australia have announced a new contract for the production and provision of launcher canisters for the Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile (NSM).
The NSM was selected in 2022 to replace the Harpoon Anti-Ship Missile capability under Project Sea 1300. The contract between Aerobond and Kongsberg will result in domestically produced launcher canisters to be employed on the Royal Australian Navy’s Anzac Class Frigates and Hobart Class Destroyers.
“We are very pleased to have awarded this important contract to Aerobond. Australia is home to a very talented and innovative defence industry, and Kongsberg is committed to growing our network of local suppliers and providing manufacturing opportunities as part of our work program with the Australian Defence Force," said John Fry, Kongsberg Defence Australia’s General Manager.
"This contract also supports the ongoing development of a Sovereign Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise for Australia.”
Aerobond will manufacture the NSM launcher canisters in a new 3500 square metre facility in Adelaide from January 2024, creating an additional 35 roles.
“The contract with Kongsberg is a recognition of the deep skills, experience and expertise that we have cultivated within Aerobond and across our workforce. It is an important milestone in our pathway to becoming a leading supplier in the Defence industry supply chain," said Justin Struik, Aerobond’s Founder and Managing Director.
"We look forward to working with the team at Kongsberg and delivering exceptional quality to support the Royal Australian Navy and its protection of Australia."