WASHINGTON — The aerospace and defense arm of Norwegian contractor Kongsberg announced Tuesday it’s building a missile production facility in James City County, Va., that will boost capacity for the Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile.
“The new missile production facilities in the U.S., Australia and Norway address the strong and long-term demand for our unique technology and the critical need to strengthen collective defense capabilities,” Geir Håøy, CEO of Kongsberg, said in a company statement. “Kongsberg has a proud history in the U.S. and we are delighted to continue to invest in the country to support American interests while creating jobs locally.”
The factory will bring 180 jobs to the region and include a $100 million investment over the next several years, according to the company. Kongsberg also has a factory in Johnstown, Pa., which it said this week will expand to include hiring 20 additional employees.
The company’s new Virginia factory will focus on producing the Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile. NSM is an anti-ship missile used by the US Navy and produced jointly by Kongsberg and RTX. It carries a 500-pound class warhead, advanced seeker and a programmable fuze, according to RTX.
The Joint Strike Missile is derived from NSM and is being integrated for use onto the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter in conjunction with Lockheed Martin. Air forces from Norway, Japan, Finland, Australia and the United States have all placed orders for the weapon.
“Today’s announcement by Kongsberg Defense and Aerospace represents a significant investment in our local community,” said Rep. Rob Wittman, a senior member on the House Armed Service Committee, in a written statement.
“Kongsberg’s decision to expand their U.S. presence and build a new missile production facility in James City County was made with the goal of helping meet increasing global demand for the Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile,” he continued. “This new facility will create nearly 200 new jobs locally while investing over $100 million into the economy of the Commonwealth in the coming years.”