Aerobond, a South Australian based specialist in advanced composite and sheet metal manufacturing and Kongsberg Defence Australia (Kongsberg) have entered into a new contract for the production and provision of launcher canisters for the Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile (NSM).
The NSM was selected by the Commonwealth of Australia in 2022 to replace the Harpoon Anti- Ship Missile capability under Project SEA 1300.
Noteworthy, the contract between Aerobond and Kongsberg 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 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.
To be noted that 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.
The production will commence in January 2024.
About Aerobond
Founded in 2010, Aerobond is a pioneering aerospace, sustainment and manufacturing company working across the aviation, defence and space sectors.
Further, the company uses cutting- edge design solutions and problem solving to deliver enhanced products for its customers, leading to its work and innovation being acclaimed both in Australia and globally.