Japan Places Fifth Follow-On Order for Joint Strike Missile to Equip F-35A Fleet

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has signed a fifth follow-on contract with Japan for the delivery of the Joint Strike Missile (JSM), further strengthening the strike capabilities of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) and its F-35A fighter aircraft fleet. The latest agreement, concluded with Japan’s Ministry of Defense, is valued at more than NOK 800 million, highlighting the growing scale of Japan’s long-term investment in advanced precision-strike weapons.

The new contract builds on a series of earlier agreements under which Japan has progressively expanded its JSM inventory. With this fifth order, Japan reinforces its commitment to the JSM programme as a core element of its future air combat capability, signaling sustained confidence in the missile’s performance, survivability and operational flexibility.

Developed by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, the Joint Strike Missile is a fifth-generation, long-range air-to-surface missile specifically designed for the F-35. A defining feature of the JSM is its ability to be carried internally within the F-35A’s weapons bay, allowing the aircraft to preserve its stealth characteristics while conducting strike missions in highly contested environments. This capability provides a critical advantage over externally carried weapons that increase radar signature.

The missile is equipped with advanced guidance systems, including an imaging infrared seeker and sophisticated navigation technology, enabling it to engage both land and maritime targets with high precision. Its low-altitude, terrain-following flight profile and autonomous target recognition are designed to enhance survivability against modern integrated air-defence systems, while its extended range allows launch aircraft to strike from stand-off distances.

Commenting on the agreement, Øyvind Kolset, Executive Vice President, Missiles & Space at Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, described the contract as another major milestone for the JSM programme. He said the company is proud to receive continued trust from Japan’s Ministry of Defense and noted that the bilateral relationship has grown steadily stronger with each follow-on order.

Japan’s decision to expand its JSM inventory is closely tied to its broader airpower modernisation strategy, which is centred on the F-35A Lightning II. The stealth fighter is a cornerstone of Japan’s future force structure, and the integration of an internally carried, long-range strike missile significantly enhances its ability to conduct precision operations while remaining survivable in high-threat scenarios.

Beyond Japan, the Joint Strike Missile has gained strong international traction. The missile has been selected by Norway, Australia, Germany and the United States, positioning it as a common strike weapon among allied nations operating the F-35. This expanding user base is expected to support long-term production stability, interoperability and further capability development.

For Japan, the latest contract underscores a sustained focus on advanced, interoperable defence technologies amid an increasingly complex regional security environment. For Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, the agreement further cements its position as a leading global supplier of next-generation missile systems and highlights the JSM’s growing role within the global F-35 ecosystem.