Kongsberg Defence Australia has announced its investment into a new purpose-built facility at Technology Park Adelaide.

Kongsberg will construct the 2500sqm facility, which will be home to hardware manufacturing and assembly, along with maintenance and software development to assist in the delivery of defence acquisition programs.

Construction of the new facility is expected to commence in January 2023, with plans for the facility to be fully occupied and operational by early 2024. It will support a range of activities including hardware manufacture, assembly, integration, test, verification and maintenance, as well as software development and support.

Kongsberg Defence Australia’s John Fry explained the facility will create more than 50 local jobs supporting the Australian Defence Force.

“This facility is the first in the Asia-Pacific region for Kongsberg’s defence business and will create more than 50 highly skilled jobs, all supporting capability delivery to the Australian Defence Force,” said Mr Fry.

“With current activities and future growth opportunities, this significant investment in a new facility in Mawson Lakes is an important demonstration of our long-term commitment to Australia and the region.”

South Australia’s Deputy Premier and Minister for Defence and Space Industries, Susan Close MP, said this investment will be a further boost to the Defence State and a great opportunity to offer more skilled jobs.

“We want South Australians to have access to skilled jobs that contribute to Australia’s Defence Force and also bring opportunities for collaboration and partnerships within the global supply chain,” said Minister Close.

Kongsberg Defence Australia is a local subsidiary of the Norwegian based global technology company, Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace, specialising in areas including Command, Control, Computing and Communication (C4) systems, Ground Based Air Defence, remote weapon systems and precision strike missiles.