Adelaide-based AEROBOND will manufacture launch canisters for Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile (NSM) as a sub-contractor to the Norwegian firm.
The NSM was selected by the Commonwealth of Australia in 2022 to replace the Harpoon Anti- Ship Missile capability under Project SEA 1300. The contract between AEROBOND and Kongsberg defence Australia, which has a manufacturing base in Adelaide, will see domestically produced launcher canisters provided as part of the work program for the NSM capability to be employed on the Royal Australian Navy’s ANZAC Class Frigates and HOBART Class Destroyers.
AEROBOND will manufacture the NSM launcher canisters in a new purpose-built 3,500sqm facility in Adelaide, and will be immediately seeking to grow its workforce capability and expertise through the creation and recruitment of an additional 35 roles in South Australia. Production will commence in January 2024.
“The contract with KONGSBERG is a recognition of the deep skills, experience and expertise that we have cultivated within AEROBOND and across our workforce,” said Justin Struik, AEROBOND’s Founder and Managing Director. “It is an important milestone in our pathway to becoming a leading supplier in the Defence industry supply chain.”
A specialist in advanced composite and sheet metal manufacturing, AEROBOND has a deep history within the commercial aviation market and its work with Kongsberg signals an important and strategic diversification into the defence sector, enabling the company to create a new focused entity within the business called AEROBOND DEFENCE.
By working together, AEROBOND and Kongsberg are increasing Australian manufacturing content for Project SEA 1300 and growing important sovereign capability for a guided weapon project that greatly enhances Australia’s maritime strike capability, the company says.
“We are very pleased to have awarded this important contract to AEROBOND,” said John Fry, Kongsberg Defence Australia’s General Manager. “Australia is home to a very talented and innovative defence industry, and Kongsberg is committed to growing our network of local suppliers and providing manufacturing opportunities as part of our work program with the Australian Defence Force. This contract also supports the ongoing development of a Sovereign Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise for Australia.”