Norway is now joining the formation of NATO's Asian arm in the Indo-Pacific region alongside with US, French, German, British and South Korean leading military-industrial companies with the aim of containing China by locating their high-tech military-industrial complex enterprises in the region.
Four men hold up part of a cut cord. Bjørn Arild Gram and Australia's Minister of Defense Pat Conroy (second from right) took part in the cord cutting during the opening of KDA's new factory in Australia. Photo: Ingrid Dåsnes
This marks a major shift in the transition from the participation of the European members of the military bloc in military exercises near China's maritime borders to strengthening NATO's military-technical capabilities and the ability, if necessary, to wage a protracted conventional war against the Asian giant.
Perhaps this trend is more important for the future of a key region of the world than the creation of new alliances with uncertified effectiveness, such as AUKUS or QUAD. On September 5, Norway opened a new facility to be used for testing, assembly and maintenance of naval and air defence missiles in South Australian Adelaide to be followed by a construction of a new factory for strike missiles in Newcastle, Australia, in a short run.
The establishment in Australia marks a milestone for the Norwegian defense industry. In a more troubled world, defense industrial cooperation with like-minded countries is becoming increasingly important,
said Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram when he opened Konsberg Defense and Aerospace's (KDA) facility in Adelaide on 5 September.
Gram cut the cord with Australian Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy. The facility in Adelaide is the first establishment KDA is doing on this side of the globe.
Australia has invested heavily in Norwegian-produced material from KDA, including the NSM naval target missile and NASAM's air defences. The facility in Adelaide, which is KDA's very first in Australia, will be used for testing, assembly and maintenance of material that the company supplies to the Australian defence.
The new facility was opened just two years after KONGSBERG decided to invest AUD 25 million in a 2,500 sqm facility located on 6,000 sqm site in Adelaide
The opening marks a major milestone for KONGSBERG in Australia. We are dedicated to contributing to the nation's Defence strategy by ensuring that critical capabilities are developed and sustained within Australia with the support of our growing workforce. Bringing advanced technologies and expertise from Norway to Australia will enhance the capabilities of the Australian Defence Force,
said John Fry, Managing Director of Kongsberg Defence Australia
During the opening in Adelaide, the Australian government announced that they have entered into an agreement with KDA for the purchase of JSM missiles for their F-35 fighter jets.
This is a great recognition of Kongsberg Defense and Aerospace and shows that Norwegian-developed defense technology contributes to global security. The war in Ukraine has shown us the importance of a strong defense and a solid defense industry, said Gram.
Recently, Australian authorities announced an agreement with Kongsberg Defense and Aerospace on the construction of a new missile production facility in Newcastle, near Sydney. The agreement means that, for the first time, production of the Norwegian missiles JSM and NSM has been established outside of Kongsberg.
During the visit to Australia, Gram also participated in a business seminar with a number of representatives of the Norwegian defense industry.
In his speech, Gram emphasized the need for closer industrial cooperation:
We live in uncertain times. It is all the more important that we come together and strengthen our common defense through a more robust defense industrial capacity.
Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram (Sp) together with ambassador Anne Grete Riise and president of KDA Einar Lie during the opening of KDA's factory in Australia. Photo: Ingrid Dåsnes / Ministry of Defense
In addition to new site in Adelaide, the Australian Government recently announced its decision to invest in the construction of a new factory for KONGSBERG strike missiles in Newcastle, Australia. The factory will manufacture and service KONGSBERG’s strike missiles to be used by the Australian Defence Force. Construction of the factory is expected to start later this year.
The Australian Government also announced its decision to include Kongsberg Defence Australia as one of its Strategic Partners in the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise. The GWEO Enterprise is backed by a commitment of $16 to $21 billion over the coming decade through the Government’s 2024 Integrated Investment Program.
Based on: Regjeringen, Kongsberg
Read more on the topic: Kongsberg, South Australia The Defence State, Renewal SA
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