Nioa targets Land 159 Tranche 2 with plans for new factory
Rendering of the Nioa Weapons Manufacturing Facility. (Photo: NIOA)
The Nioa Weapons Manufacturing Facility (NWMF) will open in 2024 to produce small arms for the Australian military and overseas customers.
Nioa has revealed plans for a new A$50 million ($35.79 million) plant to specialise in making small arms and weapons for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and export customers.
The NWMF would come online in 2024, Nioa announced on 17 December.
Nioa CEO, Robert Nioa, said that the company intends to use the new factory to pursue Tranche 2 of Project Land 159 for the ADF.
The NWMF also aligns with the Australian federal government’s policy of boosting sovereign industrial capabilities in munitions and small arms R&D, development and manufacturing.
Nioa declared: ‘If we are successful [in securing Tranche 2 of Land 159] …. we will locate this facility in Australia to establish a sustainable small arms manufacturing capability in support of the ADF, while looking at export markets.’
The company is already delivering Stage 1 of Tranche 1 in Land 159, by testing and evaluating sniper and close combat weapon systems.
Project Land 159 Tranche 2 includes a new close-combatant assault rifle, light and medium machine guns, direct-fire support weapons and grenades.
Shephard reported in July that approval for Tranche 2 is expected in FY2024-FY2025.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Malaysia’s defence budget sets out major procurement goals for 2026]()
Malaysia’s defence budget sets out major procurement goals for 2026
The country has allocated RM21.70 billion for defence spending next year, with some major procurements set to be initiated across the country’s army, navy and air force.
-
![GAO highlights the need for more commercial data and availability improvements]()
GAO highlights the need for more commercial data and availability improvements
The US Government Accountability Office recently released two reports; one into the availability of selected equipment and another looking at how the government gets data and intellectual property rights through contracting.
-
![How Canada plans to “seize” the opportunity to increase investments in defence]()
How Canada plans to “seize” the opportunity to increase investments in defence
The Canadian Department of National Defence has been increasing efforts to accelerate the acquisition of new equipment and modernise its in-service inventory.
-
![Palantir and Boeing partner up to bring AI to defence manufacturing]()
Palantir and Boeing partner up to bring AI to defence manufacturing
The partnership with the US airframer will see Palantir’s AI software leveraged to help streamline data analytics across Boeing’s 12 factories on defence and classified programmes.
-
![DroneShield to double its US footprint to meet growing demand for counter-UxS capabilities]()
DroneShield to double its US footprint to meet growing demand for counter-UxS capabilities
DroneShield disclosed to Shephard its plans to increase its workforce and manufacturing capacities while strengthening partnerships with US suppliers.
-
![Singapore’s DSTA seeks wider partnerships to advance robotics and AI capabilities]()
Singapore’s DSTA seeks wider partnerships to advance robotics and AI capabilities
The technology organisation is expecting a significant rise in the number of staff working across robotics and digital solutions as it becomes more of a focal point.
