The Australian Government has taken a step toward establishing domestic manufacturing of priority components for anti-ship cruise missiles, delivering another boost to the nation’s guided weapons capability.
Minister Conroy and German Minister for Defence, Boris Pistorius observed the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) between Defence and German warhead manufacturer TDW.
The LOI will establish Defence and TDW’s shared ambition to strengthen guided weapons manufacturing in Australia. Defence and TDW will explore options for the manufacture and maintenance of warheads for the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and Joint Strike Missile (JSM) in Australia, creating opportunities for local Australian businesses to enter the global supply chain.
The NSM and JSM are modern anti-ship cruise missiles that can be deployed against highly capable enemy warships or land-based targets.
This activity will support the Government’s investment of approximately $850 million to establish local manufacture and maintenance of both missiles at a new facility near Newcastle, in partnership with Kongsberg Defence Australia.
This investment has included up to $137 million dedicated to establishing domestic manufacturing of priority missile components, including warheads.
It is also part of the Government’s commitment of $16-21 billion over the decade to accelerate the establishment of a sovereign Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise.