Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has been awarded a $141 million contract for Lot 1 production of its air-launched Joint Strike Missile (JSM) for the US Air Force (USAF).
Outlined in a contract announcement by the US Department of Defense on 31 May, the deal “provides for all-up rounds, containers and test equipment”, with work to be completed by 31 August, 2026.
Designed for internal carriage by the Lockheed Martin F-35A, the imaging infrared seeker-equipped JSM is suitable for anti-ship, anti-surface and land-attack missions. The high-subsonic-speed weapon weighs 416kg (917lb) and has a range performance in excess of 150nm (277km), its manufacturer says.
“We are very pleased that the US Air Force – as the world’s largest operator of the F-35A – has decided to procure JSM,” says Kongsberg. “Deliveries will start in 2026”, the company confirms, adding that the combination “creates a formidable strike capability”.
“The selection of JSM by both the USAF and Royal Norwegian Air Force also fully supports NATO’s vision for interchangeability of equipment between allied nations,” notes Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace president Eirik Lie.
Japan also has previously ordered the missile for integration with its F-35s.
