Norwegian Company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) announced on November 1, 2024, that it has secured a substantial NOK 1.9 billion ($172 million USD) follow-on contract with Japan to deliver additional Joint Strike Missiles (JSM) for Japan’s F-35A fleet. This marks the fourth follow-on order and underscores the strategic importance of the JSM in Japan’s defense modernization efforts. As Japan focuses on bolstering its national security in the Indo-Pacific, KONGSBERG’s advanced missile technology is helping to address key threats and operational needs in the region.
The Joint Strike Missile (JSM), a state-of-the-art 5th-generation air-to-surface missile, is engineered to integrate seamlessly with advanced platforms like the F-35A Lightning II. Specifically designed to enhance Japan’s anti-surface warfare (ASuW) and land-attack capabilities, the JSM gives the F-35A an added combat edge with precision and versatility, allowing it to address a diverse range of mission types and tactical challenges. Developed with a low radar cross-section, the JSM retains the stealth profile of the F-35A, enabling both aircraft and missiles to penetrate highly contested environments with minimal detection risk. With an operational range exceeding 500 kilometers, the missile offers the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force an extended reach, enabling the F-35A to engage targets at significant stand-off distances.
Equipped with advanced navigation and guidance systems, including GPS and inertial navigation, the JSM can navigate complex environments and adapt to various target profiles. Its passive infrared (IR) and imaging seeker enable high-precision targeting, minimizing the risk of collateral damage while increasing mission success rates. These features make the JSM capable of engaging both static and moving targets, including naval vessels, command posts, and other high-value assets.