A ‘topping out’ ceremony was held on 19 May at the Kongsberg Missile Factory at Astra Aerolab Precinct, Newcastle Airport, marking a major construction milestone for this complex manufacturing and maintenance facility.

The event brought together the Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for Defence Industry, Chief Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance, AIRMSHL Leon Philips OAM, Mr Erik Svedahl, Deputy Head of Mission at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Australia, project partners Multiplex and Newcastle Airport, members of the Commonwealth of Australia, and the Hunter Business Community to recognise the progress of the project and its significance.

The topping out ceremony – a long-standing construction tradition – symbolises the building’s construction reaching its highest point and was marked with the installation of a ceremonial tree, representing growth, resilience and the enduring legacy of the project.

The project is delivering strong local economic benefits, with 74 per cent of project trade value awarded locally and $36.3 million in local expenditure incurred to date. This reflects significant engagement of local subcontractors and suppliers, supporting jobs and economic activity.

Construction will now progress through the final stages ahead of completion in early 2027.