Norway’s Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace company has confirmed the sale of a Joint Strike Missile (JSM) for Japanese fleet of F-35 fighter aircraft.

According to company’s news release, Kongsberg has entered into the contract with Japan to supply the initial deliveries of JSM (Joint Strike Missile).

“This is an important international breakthrough which demonstrates the importance of cooperation between Norwegian authorities, Norwegian Defence Research Establishment and Norwegian industry”, says CEO of KONGSBERG Geir Håøy.

The JSM is the only long-range sea- and land-target missile that can be carried internally in the F-35 and thus ensuring the aircraft’s low-signature (stealth) capabilities. JSM is a new missile that will expand the overall capabilities of the F-35. No other weapon on the market today, can perform the same types of missions.

“The international F-35 user consortium is showing great interest in the JSM and KONGSBERG is very proud to have been selected by Japan to provide the JSM for their F-35 fleet. This is a major milestone for the JSM program, entering into the production phase”, says Eirik Lie, President, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS.

JSM has sophisticated target acquisition capability that uses autonomous target recognition, made possible by an imaging infrared seeker. JSM specifically designed for the F-35 A/C weapons bay internal carriage.

JSM employs a highly accurate navigation system and low altitude flight profile. Automatic Target recognition is supported by an advanced Imaging infrared seeker.

JSM range allows for launch platform survivability and flexible mission routing to enhance survivability and mission success.