JAMES CITY COUNTY — Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace marked a major milestone in its U.S. expansion with a groundbreaking ceremony for its new facility in James City County Friday.
The facility, first announced in September 2024, will manufacture naval strike missiles and joint missiles in Virginia, strengthening domestic defense manufacturing while reinforcing long-standing ties between the United States and Norway.
Norwegian Ambassador to the United States, Anniken Huitfeldt, emphasized the historical and strategic importance of the project, saying, “the ground we gather on today and the factory it will host is a continuation of this commitment. The missiles built here in Virginia will protect Norway, will protect the United States, and also our NATO allies.”
Kongsberg President, Eirik Lie, described the groundbreaking as the start of a new chapter for the company’s U.S. operations.
“Today, we break ground here in the U.S., and with that marks the start of a new chapter,” Lie said, noting that demand for the company’s missile systems has increased amid growing geopolitical uncertainty.
When fully operational, the facility is expected to begin producing missiles by 2028 and employ 180 people.
Noting the facility will provide good-paying jobs and excellent benefits, Lie said, “We are excited to hire local [people] and to [work with] local industries and suppliers, regionally and nationally.”
Lie said the project reflects Kongsberg’s long-term commitment to the U.S., adding, “We believe in the importance of building and sustaining critical capabilities within the United States.”
Heather Armentrout, president of Kongsberg’s U.S. subsidiary, highlighted the historical connection between the region and defense manufacturing, referencing Williamsburg’s role during the American Revolution.
“This location has a very distinct history going back to the founding of our country for munitions,” she said, calling the James City County site a natural fit for the company’s mission.
James City County Board of Supervisors Chairman John McGlennon announced that the facility’s address will be 1814 Innovation Drive, a nod to the year Kongsberg was founded.
“It is really a wonderful fact for us to see the development of this new commerce park and to have its very first tenant, such an important company that has such a powerful relationship,” McGlennon said.
Shep Miller, Virginia Secretary of Transportation, said the project represents more than a single investment.
“Today’s groundbreaking is more than a facility, it’s about jobs, national security, tactics, infrastructure, innovation, and long-term economic growth,” Miller said.
In a recorded message, U.S. Sen. Mark Warner said the facility will play a vital role in strengthening American manufacturing and defense readiness.
“As Kongsberg’s first American missile plant, this facility will support efforts to expand our domestic supplier base and build capacity and redundancy for these vital weapons,” Warner said.
As construction begins, speakers repeatedly reminded the facility’s broader meaning, framing it as both a continuation of historic alliances and a forward-looking investment in security and innovation for the United States and its allies.
