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Kongsberg Breaks Ground on US Facility to Produce NSM and JSM Missiles Amid Growing NATO Demand
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Norwegian defense contractor Kongsberg has begun construction on its first missile manufacturing plant in the United States to meet the growing demand for NSM (Naval Strike Missiles) and JSM (Joint Strike Missiles) amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Defense Express reported on January 21.
The new facility, located in Toano, Virginia, near the Yorktown Naval Base, will focus on producing and servicing these advanced missiles for NATO allies.
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Construction is set to commence fully in the second quarter of 2026, with production expected to begin by the end of 2027, and the plant is anticipated to reach full capacity by 2028.
The facility aims to expand Kongsberg’s missile supply capabilities to meet the increasing demand from both the US and NATO partners. Kongsberg had previously announced plans for the US missile factory in September 2024 as part of its efforts to complement its existing manufacturing sites in Norway and Australia, according to Defense Express.
Norway is moving to integrate Ukrainian-made interceptors and effectors into the NASAMS air defense system as part of a deeper defense-industrial partnership with Kyiv.
Earlier, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide confirmed that Oslo was working with Ukraine to adapt locally produced weapons for use within the NASAMS architecture, an effort aimed at easing pressure on limited stocks of expensive Western missiles.
Kongsberg’s NSM is a highly regarded anti-ship missile, already in service with 14 countries, and is becoming a critical asset for NATO nations. With a range exceeding 180 km and stealth capabilities, the NSM can target both naval and land-based objectives.
The JSM, designed for integration with F-35 fighter jets, offers increased range, from 185 to 555 km depending on launch altitude, making it a versatile weapon for modern air forces, Defense Express wrote.
The establishment of this facility in the US comes as global demand for Kongsberg’s missile systems, particularly the NSM, continues to grow. Given the increasing number of F-35 operators and the popularity of the NSM, the new plant will likely focus on meeting the US military’s significant missile procurement needs.
Previously, it was reported that Norway’s Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA) has agreed to acquire a 90% stake in US missile manufacturer Zone 5 Technologies, a move that could speed up Ukraine’s access to the company’s Rusty Dagger cruise missile under the Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) program.
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