Kongsberg breaks ground on US-based missile production facility in Virginia

In addition, the company has previously secured a multi-year procurement contract for Naval Strike Missiles with the United States Navy in 2024, as well as the Marine Corps’ Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System. The United States Air Force selected the JSM in 2024 for use on the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter.

“This new Kongsberg factory will provide additional production capacity, sustainment and in-country tech refresh capabilities for our Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and Joint Strike Missile (JSM) – both highly advanced, fifth-generation cruise missiles capable of both maritime strike and land attack,” said Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace (Norway) president Eirik Lie.

Speakers at the ceremonial event this week included James City County Board of Supervisors chair Dr John McGlennon; Virginia Secretary of Transportation, Honourable Shep Miller; US Representative Rob Wittman (VA-1); and Norwegian ambassador to the United States, Anniken Huitfeldt.

“We are proud to invest in defence manufacturing in the United States and excited to onshore our world-class capabilities in James City County, VA,” said KDA president and general manager Heather Armentrout.

“The state of Virginia, including the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Hampton Roads Alliance, have been integral in this process, and we look forward to growing our presence in the US as we ramp up hiring.”

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.