Kongsberg will supply Japan with a batch of JSM missiles for F-35 Lightning II fifth-generation fighters

Norwegian company Kongsberg will supply Japan with Joint Strike Missile (JSM) missiles for the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft. The contracts were signed in 2019 and 2020.

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Kongsberg signed a $42 million contract with Japan in November 2019. A nearly $75 million contract was announced in December 2020. A Japan Self-Defence Forces spokesman said at DSEI Japan 2023 on 16 March that the first JSM missiles would arrive "very soon".

The JSMs are primarily intended for the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighters. However, the Self-Defence Forces are considering integrating the missiles on older F-15J aircraft, which are currently undergoing modernisation.

The JSM is the aircraft version of the Naval Strike Missile. This variant was developed in conjunction with Lockheed Martin. The maximum launch range is 280 km. The missile is placed on internal or external sling. It is used to hit ground targets and ships.

Source: Janes