The US has for the first time ordered JSM aircraft missiles with a range of up to 555 kilometres for the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft

The US Department of Defence has ordered JSM (Joint Strike Missile) missiles for F-35 Lightning II aircraft. The manufacturer is the Norwegian company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.

Here's What We Know

The JSM is the aircraft version of the sea-based NSM (Naval Strike Missile) anti-ship missile. The amount of the deal for the production and delivery of the first batch of weapons was $141 million. The contract will be fulfilled until 31 August 2026.

The US Air Force will deploy the JSM missiles at the Eglin base, Florida. They will be equipped with fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II fighter jets with conventional takeoff and landing.

The JSM is a versatile weapon. It was created in response to the needs of countries in the F-35 programme to obtain a highly accurate and low-observable missile for fifth-generation fighters. The aircraft version of the missile, like the NSM, is capable of destroying not only surface targets but also ground targets. The maximum launch range is 555 kilometres. The warhead has a weight of 120kg.

The missile is equipped with a multi-mode guidance system. It includes GPS, inertial navigation system, as well as infrared and radar homing heads. This combination ensures high accuracy in hitting enemy targets even in conditions of powerful electronic warfare.

Source: DoD