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Bulgarian Military
Looking ahead, the Royal Australian Air Force’s [RAAF] Lockheed F-35 combat capabilities are set for a significant upgrade with locally produced Joint Strike Missiles [JSMs]. The Australian Ministry of Defense has officially confirmed an 850 million USD investment in a new production facility. This factory will be established in collaboration with the Norwegian company Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace through its local representative office.
The facility, to be located at Williamtown near Newcastle, will manufacture and service Naval Strike Missiles [NSM] and Joint Strike Missiles [JSM] specifically for the Australian military.
According to Australia’s military chief, the NSMs will boost the sea- and land-strike capabilities of Hobart-class destroyers and Anzac-class frigates, ultimately replacing the Harpoon anti-ship missile. This move aims to enhance the lethality of Australia’s improved surface combatant fleet.
The Joint Strike Missile [JSM], crafted by Norwegian company Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, is the go-to missile for the F-35A Lightning II. Think of the JSM as a fifth-generation, air-launched cruise missile with a knack for precision strike missions against both sea and land targets. A standout feature? It’s the only long-range, anti-ship missile that the F-35A can carry internally, helping it keep those stealth characteristics intact.
Australia’s been eyeing the JSM for quite a while, with serious interest dating back to 2014. Just last year, Australia officially confirmed the JSM for their RAAF F-35 fleet. Although nothing is set in stone yet, there’s a good chance the new plant will cater to the regional market, especially with South Korea and Japan also showing keen interest. The move to invest in a new factory might indicate that negotiations between South Korea, Japan, and Norway are moving toward a likely purchase shortly.
Sources from Norway and Australian officials have emphasized the strategic advantages of Kongsberg’s decision to set up a manufacturing facility for the Naval Strike Missile [NSM] and Joint Strike Missile [JSM] in Australia. This decision will not only benefit Australia but also other Indo-Pacific nations like South Korea and Japan. These countries could see reduced supply chain delays and quicker delivery times by procuring these missiles directly from Australia, which will soon host one of only two such production sites globally.
In a significant move for regional security, Australian Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy has highlighted the upcoming facility aimed at bolstering Australia’s defense industry. Set to be operational by 2027, this new site will not only support domestic needs but also provide regional allies with easier access to advanced missile technology.
The Joint Strike Missile [JSM] stands out for its impressive capabilities, particularly when paired with Australia’s F-35 fleet. This missile, designed to be carried internally by the F-35, maintains the aircraft’s stealth while offering enhanced long-range strike capabilities. Such features are invaluable for targeting high-value, well-defended maritime assets, a pressing issue in modern conflict scenarios.
The 2023 Australian Defense Strategic Review underscores this strategic shift, recommending the acquisition of the JSM for Australia’s F-35s to boost their aerial strike potential.
According to The Defense Post, the Joint Strike Missile [JSM] showcases advanced targeting technologies like a passive radio frequency seeker. This enhances its effectiveness against sophisticated enemy defenses, enabling precision strikes without needing to overwhelm the target with numerous less-capable munitions. This means higher efficiency and lower collateral damage.
Integrating the JSM into the Australian Defense Force’s arsenal supports broader strategic objectives, such as strengthening regional deterrence and addressing emerging threats in the Indo-Pacific region. The missile’s development is part of a broader initiative to enhance defense capabilities, highlighting Australia’s commitment to staying at the forefront of military technology.
The new NSM and JSM production facility is projected to create over 500 jobs during its construction and roughly 100 permanent positions once operational.
The plant’s capacity promises to significantly boost Australia’s defense capabilities, joining only one other facility worldwide, Kongsberg’s in Norway, in the production of these cutting-edge missiles. This move is seen as crucial for enhancing Australia’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing, aligning perfectly with the broader strategy to build a sovereign defense industrial base.