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Kongsberg’s missile factory has reached a major milestone as the “topping out” ceremony takes place in Newcastle.
The missile manufacturing facility at the Astra Aerolab precinct near Newcastle Airport is expected to commence local production of the Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile.
Topping out ceremonies are a traditional construction milestone, marking a building site’s highest point of construction, signifying growth and expansion of a project.
“This milestone reflects the strength of collaboration with our delivery partners,” said Kongsberg Australia managing director John Fry.
“Reaching the highest point of construction is a significant achievement and a testament to the teams on the ground driving this project forward. Kongsberg Australia will occupy the Kongsberg Missile Factory in Q1 2027.”
The manufacturing site is expected to generate over 500 jobs throughout the construction period and over $100 million in local economic expenditure.
Kongsberg said that as of May 2026, 74 per cent of the trade value has been awarded locally and more than $36 million have been spent locally.
The facility is being supported and partnered by Newcastle Airport and Multiplex.
“Today’s topping out highlights the important role Astra Aerolab and the Hunter region plays in supporting Australia’s sovereign defence industry,” said Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton.
“With the support of our partner Multiplex, we are proud to be developing this facility to support Kongsberg Australia and the Commonwealth with this nationally significant project.”
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy was present at the ceremony, alongside Chief Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Air Marshal Leon Philips, and head of mission at the Royal
Norwegian embassy in Australia, Erik Svedahl.
“We are proud to be delivering this highly secure facility in support of Australia’s defence capabilities,” said NSW regional managing director of Multiplex, David Ghannoum
“The Kongsberg Missile Factory builds on Multiplex’s global track record in delivering complex, secure government infrastructure, and we look forward to completing the project early next year.”
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