South Australia’s Axiom Precision Manufacturing has announced a new contract with Kongsberg Defence Australia for the manufacture and delivery of ground support equipment for the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) being developed under SEA 1300 Phase 1.

Announced last year, the NSM is set to replace the Harpoon Anti-ship Missile capability on the Royal Australian Navy’s ANZAC class frigates and Hobart class destroyers.

The manufacturing of the complex assemblies required for the missiles has begun at Axiom’s purpose-built, secure facilities in Wingfield, with the first deliveries due early 2024.

General Manager of Kongsberg Defence Australia, John Fry, explained the organisation’s commitment to engaging industry in the project.

“KONGSBERG is committed to involving Australian industry in support of SEA 1300 Phase 1 – Navy Guided Weapons,” said Mr Fry.

“Axiom was established over four decades ago, so it is great to be announcing this partnership with such an experienced, highly skills small to medium enterprise.”

Axiom’s General Manager, Craig Maynard, said the company is looking forward to the partnership.

“The contract with KONGSBERG is great recognition of Axiom’s strong history as a Defence supplier across many platforms and we look forward to growing our partnership on the back of this project,” said Mr Maynard.

“The new contract will support additional growth in Axiom’s vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities, including fabrication and painting.”