A US Navy Naval Strike missile being fired from its launcher cannister. Photo: US Navy.
Adelaide-based QPE Advanced Machining has been selected by Kongsberg Defence Australia (KDAu) to supply launcher components for the Naval Strike Missile (NSM).
The NSM has been selected by the Royal Australian Navy to replace the Harpoon anti-ship missile in Navy service through an accelerated acquisition initiative under Project SEA 1300 Phase 1. The NSM will be integrated with the Navy’s ANZAC class frigates and Hobart class destroyers from 2024.
As part of the Australian Industry Capability initiative, KDAu sought small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to supply precision machined components for the program, and QPE Advanced Machining – part of the Stärke-AMG – met the strict criteria.
“We are pleased to welcome Gillman-based South Australian company QPE Advanced Machining to provide launcher components for the Kongsberg NSM as part of SEA 1300,” general manager of KDAu John Fry said in a 23 October company release.
“Today’s announcement highlights our strong commitment to Australian Industry Capability as we continue to expand our local supply chain, identifying and maximising opportunities for Australia’s very capable defence industry to contribute to the delivery of Defence capability.”
CEO of Stärke-AMG Al Jawhari said: “QPE Advanced Machining has earned recognition for supplying top-tier maritime and land programs with high-complexity, high-performance, robust, and dependable components over many years.
“After a successful track record in the defence sector, we are delighted to be directly engaged with Kongsberg Defence Australia, contributing our Machined Components for the Naval Strike Missile under SEA 1300.”
QPE Advanced Machining has supplied precision machined components to a range of defence companies, including BAE Systems, ASC, Babcock, Naval Group, Boeing, Thales, Thomas Global Systems, and others.
The Stärke-AMG group of companies includes VPG Innovation, McMahon Metal Fabrication, Precise Machining and Manufacturing, Stärke Tooling, Stärke Injection Moulding in South Australia and Victoria, and Stärke Incorporated in the US.
