Kongsberg Secures NOK 800 Million Deal Supplying JSM Missiles to Japan’s F‑35A Fighters
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS has confirmed the signing of a fifth follow-on agreement with Japan to supply the Joint Strike Missile for integration into the nation’s fleet of F-35A fighter aircraft. The deal carries a value exceeding NOK 800 million and marks another step in the ongoing cooperation between the company and Japan’s Ministry of Defense.
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| Credit: Kongsberg |
The Joint Strike Missile is a modern, fifth-generation air-launched cruise weapon designed to engage both land-based and maritime targets. Developed with a stealth profile, the missile is optimized for internal carriage on the F-35A and F-35C, ensuring the aircraft maintains its low observable characteristics during missions.
Technical specifications highlight the missile’s compact yet capable design. It weighs 416 kilograms, measures four meters in length, and has a diameter of 0.48 meters when stowed. The height in stowed configuration is 0.52 meters. Powered by a small turbofan engine, the missile achieves high subsonic speeds of approximately Mach 0.9. Its operational range extends beyond 350 kilometers, and it carries a 120-kilogram blast fragmentation warhead. Guidance systems include GPS, inertial navigation, terrain contour matching, infrared homing, and autonomous target recognition.
Operational flexibility is a defining characteristic of the JSM. It can be launched from multiple platforms, including internal bays of the F-35A and F-35C, external carriage on the F-16, and compatibility with aircraft such as the F/A-18. Survivability is enhanced through low-altitude sea-skimming and terrain-following flight paths, combined with high maneuverability to evade defenses.
The missile incorporates advanced targeting capabilities, enabling precise engagement of specific objectives whether at sea or on land. Selectable fuze settings allow operators to tailor effects against different target types. Connectivity is supported by a two-way data link, permitting mission updates and retargeting during flight.
Japan’s Ministry of Defense has repeatedly selected the JSM, reinforcing confidence in its performance. Øyvind Kolset, Executive Vice President for Missiles & Space at Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, emphasized that this latest order represents a significant milestone for the program and strengthens the partnership with Japan.
Beyond Japan, the missile has also been chosen by several allied nations, including Norway, Australia, Germany, and the United States. This broad adoption underscores the system’s relevance in modern air combat and its role in enhancing strike capabilities across multiple air forces.
Written by Henry Wan
Henry Wan is an independent defense journalist with over 14 years of experience reporting on military affairs and security issues. He has covered defense strategies, military technology, and geopolitical developments with a consistent focus on accuracy, independence, and a comprehensive understanding of global security matters.