Key Takeaways
- Kongsberg Defense and Aerospace, Inc. (KONGSBERG) has broken ground on its first US-based missile production facility in James City County, Va.
- The facility will produce precision strike missiles, including the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and Joint Strike Missile (JSM), to meet global demand.
- The project is expected to create over 180 jobs and inject more than $100 million in economic benefits into the local area.
- The facility will provide additional production capacity, sustainment, and in-country tech refresh capabilities for the NSM and JSM programs.
- The US Navy and Air Force have selected KONGSBERG’s missiles for use on various platforms, including the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter.
Introduction to Kongsberg’s New Facility
Kongsberg Defense and Aerospace, Inc. (KONGSBERG) recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for its first state-of-the-art US-based missile production facility in James City County, Va. The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace (Norway) President Eirik Lie, James City County Board of Supervisors Chair Dr. John McGlennon, Virginia Secretary of Transportation Hon. Shep Miller, U.S. Representative Rob Wittman (VA-1), and Norwegian Ambassador to the United States Anniken Huitfeldt. The new facility, located in Toano, Va, will play a crucial role in meeting the global demand for KONGSBERG’s precision strike missiles.
Facility Details and Capabilities
The facility will provide additional production capacity, sustainment, and in-country tech refresh capabilities for KONGSBERG’s Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and Joint Strike Missile (JSM) programs. These missiles are highly advanced, fifth-generation cruise missiles capable of both maritime strike and land attack. The United States Navy awarded KONGSBERG a multi-year procurement contract for NSM in 2024 for the Navy’s Over-the-Horizon weapon system, as well as the Marine Corps’ NMESIS (Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System). The United States Air Force selected the JSM in 2024 for use on the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter. The new facility will enable KONGSBERG to increase its production capacity and better support its US customers.
Investment and Economic Benefits
KONGSBERG is investing heavily in the new facility, which is expected to create more than 180 jobs in the James City County area. The project will also inject more than $100 million in economic benefits into the local area, creating opportunities for local suppliers to support the production and manufacturing of these weapons. The state of Virginia, including the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Hampton Roads Alliance, have been instrumental in supporting KONGSBERG’s investment in the US. Heather Armentrout, KDA, Inc. president and general manager, expressed the company’s pride in investing in defense manufacturing in the United States and its excitement to onshore its world-class capabilities in James City County, Va.
Construction and Production Timeline
Preparatory site work has commenced, with construction expected to begin by Q2 2026. Missile manufacturing will begin in late 2027, ramping up to full rate production by the end of 2028. The new facility will be the third production line set up by Kongsberg to support the NSM and JSM programs, after the ones in Norway and Australia. The NSM has been selected by 14 countries, and the JSM by 5 nations, including the US. The new facility will play a critical role in supporting the growing demand for these advanced missiles.
Global Demand and Program Status
The NSM and JSM programs have gained significant traction globally, with several countries selecting these missiles for their defense needs. The US Navy and Air Force have also selected KONGSBERG’s missiles for use on various platforms, including the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter. The new facility will enable KONGSBERG to better support its global customers and increase its production capacity to meet the growing demand for its precision strike missiles. With the construction of the new facility underway, KONGSBERG is well-positioned to continue its growth in the US defense market and support the development of advanced missile systems.