Missile production being boosted across three continents
The test firing means full-rate production of Australian-made NSM launchers can begin. (Photo: Kongsberg)
The demand for missiles reflects current strategic interests, such as those in the Indo-Pacific region and conflict in Europe, along with an expectation of local involvement in manufacture which also supports a drive to build capacity.
The past three months has seen a surge in work to expand air defence and land attack missiles with soil turned on two sites, one in Australia and one in Europe, and plans announced for a facility in the US.
At the same time, Australia has this week conducted the first test-firing of a Naval Strike Missile (NSM) using a locally-made launcher and earlier in the month began the process to buy vehicle-mounted land-based, long-range fires.
The new Kongsberg facilities in Newcastle, Australia, where construction began on 6 December, and the planned factory James City County, Virginia in the US,
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Leopard MBT: Alpha beast gets a reboot (updated 2026)]()
Leopard MBT: Alpha beast gets a reboot (updated 2026)
Leopard MBTs are German-made main battle tanks that have been in service since the Cold War and have undergone several upgrades to remain competitive in modern warfare. This article traces the history and development of the Leopard 1 and 2 as well as its variants, operational service and future prospects.
-
![March land forces roundup: A new war confronts the old drone problem]()
March land forces roundup: A new war confronts the old drone problem
The attack by the US and Israel on Iran which began at the end of February presented a Ukraine-like scenario of drone-led warfare – in fact the same drone type in the Shahed – and the problem of how to counter them.
-
![New US$1.4 billion package to boost Canada’s defence capabilities]()
New US$1.4 billion package to boost Canada’s defence capabilities
The Canadian defence department has outlined major investments in ISR solutions, small arms and ammunition production capabilities as the country pushes for greater self-reliance to bolster its forces and its supply chain.
-
![The overlooked ally: Canadian support for Ukraine surpasses some European partners]()
The overlooked ally: Canadian support for Ukraine surpasses some European partners
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Canada has committed more military assistance than France in terms of GDP.
