Kongsberg Defence – site within Newcastle Airport precinct
MN-01017
View on ACCC websiteStage
Phase 1 - initial assessment
Effective Notification
08/08/2025
End of Determination Period
19/09/2025
Determination Published
29/08/2025 (21 cal / 15 bus. days)
Determination
Acquirers
KONGSBERG DEFENCE AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
ABN: 95 146 599 359
Targets
GREATER NEWCASTLE AEROTROPOLIS PTY LTD
ABN: 90 629 359 726
Description
Kongsberg Defence Australia Pty Ltd (KDAu), is proposing to enter into lease arrangements with Greater Newcastle Aerotropolis Pty Ltd (GNAPL) for land adjacent to Newcastle Airport, to establish a missile manufacturing and maintenance facility in Newcastle, NSW.
KDau is indirectly wholly owned by Kongsberg Gruppen ASA (KOG). KOG is an international technology group that supplies high-technology systems and solutions to customers in the merchant marine, defence, aerospace, offshore oil and gas and renewable and utilities industries. KOG has operated in Australia since 2004.
GNAPL is jointly owned by the Newcastle City Council and Port Stephens Council. GNAPL undertakes the operation and development of Newcastle Airport under a 60-year lease with the Commonwealth Government.
Commentary
The acquisition by KDAu of a lease for land adjacent to Newcastle Airport was the first acquisition cleared by the ACCC under the new regime. The ACCC considered that:
- there is no horizontal competitive overlap between KDAu and the landlord;
- there are sufficient suitable alternative sites available for KDau's competitors; and
- the acquisition does not otherwise limit or prevent competition from rivals.
On that basis, Commissioner Williams determined that the acquisition may be put into effect.
Updated 19/01/2026
Timeline & Events
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Questionnaire released for Kongsberg Defence acquisition of site within Newcastle Airport
11/08/2025
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Merger notified to ACCC
08/08/2025