The Australian Government has announced an $850 million investment to establish a missile production facility near Newcastle, in partnership with Norwegian firm Kongsberg Defence Australia. This facility, which is expected to create 500 construction jobs and around 100 permanent positions, aims to produce Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) and Joint Strike Missiles (JSM) by 2027, bolstering Australia's military capabilities amid rising tensions with China in the Pacific. The project is part of a broader strategy to enhance Australia's sovereign defense industrial base and is supported by the Labor government’s $21 billion investment plan over the next decade. Critics have raised concerns regarding arms manufacturing, with protests highlighting the potential use of these weapons in international conflicts. Minister Pat Conroy emphasized the importance of this investment for national security and the local economy, stating it represents a significant step forward for Australia's advanced manufacturing sector. Construction is slated to begin later this year, marking a pivotal moment for the country's defense industry.