U.S. Expands Order for Kongsberg Joint Strike Missiles
The United States Department of Defense (DoD) has significantly boosted its investment in Kongsberg's Joint Strike Missile (JSM), opting to expand its initial order by activating a USD 69.5 million contract option. This move elevates the total value of the contract to USD 208 million, underscoring the missile's strategic importance for the U.S. Air Force. The expansion comes as part of a larger push to enhance the operational flexibility and lethality of its F-35 fleet, with deliveries set to run through September 2027.
Key Details and Funding
In addition to the contract option, the DoD has allocated USD 105 million in funding, integrating the production option with the second tranche of the missile procurement budget. This builds on the USD 69 million allocated under the initial agreement signed in May 2024. The majority of the production work will take place at Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace's headquarters in Norway, showcasing the strong industrial collaboration between Norway and the United States.
JSM: A Game-Changing Missile for the F-35
The Joint Strike Missile stands out as the only anti-ship missile designed specifically to fit within the internal weapons bays of the F-35A and F-35C Lightning II, ensuring the aircraft retains its stealth profile. With a range exceeding 300 nautical miles (approximately 555 kilometers), the JSM offers long-range precision strike capabilities against both sea-based and land-based targets.
One of the missile's key advantages lies in its adaptability and cutting-edge technology. It is equipped with an advanced passive infrared seeker for target detection and tracking, coupled with a GPS-aided inertial navigation system to ensure accuracy in contested environments. Additionally, its low-observable design minimizes radar detection, making it an ideal weapon for modern high-threat scenarios.
Future operational upgrades to the F-35, including the implementation of the Block 4 software standard, are expected to enhance the missile's integration further, solidifying its role in next-generation warfare.
Global Interest in the Joint Strike Missile
The JSM is gaining traction among F-35 operators worldwide, with Norway, Japan, and Finland already incorporating it into their arsenals. Japan received its first batch in mid-2021, while Poland has expressed keen interest in acquiring the system. Norway's role as a Tier III partner in the F-35 program has been instrumental in Kongsberg's ability to develop and market the JSM on a global scale.
This missile's land-attack capabilities further distinguish it from its predecessor, the Naval Strike Missile (NSM), making it a versatile option for addressing a broad range of military threats.
Strategic Implications
The expanded order underscores the U.S. Air Force's focus on strengthening its precision-strike capabilities, particularly in regions like the Indo-Pacific, where anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) strategies pose significant challenges. By integrating the JSM with its F-35 fleet, the U.S. enhances its ability to counter both maritime and land-based threats, ensuring operational superiority in contested environments.
As global demand for the JSM continues to rise, Kongsberg's success not only highlights Norway's advanced defense technology capabilities but also reflects the growing importance of international partnerships in addressing evolving security challenges. The U.S. investment in this cutting-edge weapon system marks a significant step in modernizing its arsenal while paving the way for further collaborations with allied nations.
