OTTAWA — On July 8, 2026, Canada has officially confirmed the acquisition of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace's Joint Strike Missile (JSM) under an approximately CAD 800 million contract, making it the sixth country to select the advanced air-to-surface missile for its fighter fleet.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the procurement during the 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara, Türkiye, stating that the long-range missiles will be integrated into the Royal Canadian Air Force's (RCAF) future F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft as part of Canada's ongoing air force modernization program.
Canada Confirmed as Previously Undisclosed Customer
The announcement resolves the identity of the customer behind a NOK 4.7 billion (approximately USD 480 million / CAD 680 million) contract that Kongsberg announced on June 30, 2026. At that time, the Norwegian company revealed it had signed an agreement with a new sixth international customer, but did not disclose the country's name or the number of missiles included in the order.
With Canada's confirmation, the Joint Strike Missile (JSM) has now been selected by Norway, Japan, Australia, Germany, the United States, and Canada.
Designed for the F-35A
The Joint Strike Missile (JSM) is a long-range, stealth air-to-surface precision-guided missile developed by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. It is specifically designed to fit inside the internal weapons bay of the F-35A Lightning II, allowing the aircraft to retain its low-observable characteristics during missions.
The missile is derived from Kongsberg's Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and is designed to engage both land and maritime targets while providing extended stand-off strike capability in contested environments. Internal carriage allows F-35 operators to carry the missile without increasing the aircraft's radar signature.
Supporting Canada's Future Fighter Fleet
Canada is acquiring the JSM to equip its future F-35A fleet under the Future Fighter Capability Project, strengthening the Royal Canadian Air Force's (RCAF) long-range precision strike capability.
In a statement released by Kongsberg, Eirik Lie, Chief Executive Officer of KONGSBERG, said:
"We are pleased to welcome Canada as the sixth country to select the JSM. The acquisition of the Joint Strike Missile can fundamentally improve the operational range and effectiveness of Canada's fighter fleet. In addition to delivering world-class defence technology, KONGSBERG is committed to contributing to industrial growth in the country."
Industrial Benefits for Canada
Alongside the missile procurement, Kongsberg announced that it will make investments in Canada under the country's Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy.
According to the company, these investments are intended to build long-term industrial capacity by supporting job creation, developing dual-use technologies, and strengthening Canada's defence industry through collaboration between industry and academic institutions.
Part of Broader Defence Modernization
The missile purchase forms part of Canada's wider defence modernization efforts announced during the NATO Summit. Along with the JSM acquisition, the Canadian government outlined several new defence initiatives, including progress on its future submarine program and additional investments aimed at strengthening Canada's military capabilities and meeting NATO commitments.
Prime Minister Carney stated that the JSM contract will provide the Royal Canadian Air Force with a modern long-range strike capability for its future fighter fleet while supporting Canada's broader defence objectives within NATO.
Delivery Details Yet to Be Announced
While Canada has confirmed the acquisition, neither the Canadian government nor Kongsberg has disclosed the number of Joint Strike Missiles (JSMs) included in the contract or the delivery schedule.
Kongsberg has already begun serial deliveries of the missile to earlier customers, including Norway and Japan, while Canada's missiles are expected to be integrated as the Royal Canadian Air Force receives its future F-35A aircraft.
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