Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace is set to bolster US missile production with a new state-of-the-art facility in Virginia, marking a significant expansion of its American operations.
At a Glance
- Kongsberg to build a new missile production facility in James City County, Virginia
- Over $100 million investment, creating more than 180 jobs
- Facility will produce Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) and Joint Strike Missiles (JSM)
- Decision influenced by potential multiyear procurement contracts from the US Department of Defense
- Expansion follows recent developments in Norway and Australia
Kongsberg’s Strategic US Expansion
Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace, a leading Norwegian defense contractor, has announced plans to establish a cutting-edge missile production facility in James City County, Virginia. This strategic move aims to meet the growing global demand for advanced military technology and strengthen the company’s presence in the United States defense market.
The new 150,000 square foot facility represents a significant investment of over $100 million in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It will be equipped to assemble, upgrade, and repair both Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) and Joint Strike Missiles (JSM), two of Kongsberg’s most advanced weapon systems. This expansion is expected to create more than 180 new jobs, further boosting the local economy.
Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace building new missile production facility in US to cater to rising global demandhttps://t.co/OjgkbHLGV0
— The Defense Post (@DefensePost) September 19, 2024
Meeting US Defense Demands
The decision to establish this facility in the United States was largely influenced by potential multiyear procurement contracts from the Department of Defense. The US Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force are significant customers for Kongsberg’s missile systems, and this new production plant will enable the company to better serve these critical allies.
“The US Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force are important customers for KONGSBERG’s Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile. Their demand signals gave us the predictability we needed to make this investment in the United States,” said Eirik Lie, president of Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace. “This will allow us to better serve our allies in the US and continue to expand that supply chain locally, building capacity and redundancy for these critical capabilities.”
The NSM is an anti-ship missile with high survivability, currently used by five navies including the US Navy. The JSM, derived from the NSM, is an air-launched cruise missile designed for complex missions and is compatible with the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter. It is the only missile that can be carried within the F-35A’s internal weapons bays, making it a crucial asset for stealth operations.
Global Expansion and Impact
This expansion in Virginia is part of a broader growth strategy for Kongsberg. The company has recently invested in new missile factories in Norway and Australia, addressing the increased global demand for defense equipment. This surge in demand has been particularly notable since before the conflict in Ukraine and has only intensified since 2022.
“The new missile production facilities in the US, Australia and Norway address the strong and long-term demand for our unique technology and the critical need to strengthen collective defence capabilities. KONGSBERG has a proud history in the US and we are delighted to continue to invest in the country to support American interests while creating jobs locally,” said Geir Håøy, CEO of KONGSBERG.
The establishment of this new facility not only strengthens Kongsberg’s position in the global defense market but also contributes significantly to the local economy in Virginia. It underscores the growing importance of international collaboration in defense technology and the critical role that American manufacturing plays in ensuring national and global security.
