Computer-generated imagery shows an F-35A launching JSMs. (Kongsberg)
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace announced on 1 November that it has secured another contract from Japan to supply its Joint Strike Missile (JSM) for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's (JASDF's) Lockheed Martin F-35A fighter aircraft.
Kongsberg said the new contract – worth NOK1.9 billion (USD172.5 million) – is its fourth follow-on JSM deal from Japan, but the Norwegian company did not elaborate on the number of missiles it will deliver under the agreement.
A Kongsberg spokesperson told Janes , “There are five contracts altogether: the initial one and four follow-on contracts.”
In March 2019 Kongsberg announced the signing of a contract with Japan to provide initial deliveries of the JSM, which has been designed to fit in the internal weapons bay of the conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) F-35A. The value of this deal was not announced, but Kongsberg told Janes in March 2023 that it was preparing to deliver this first batch of JSMs to Japan “very soon”.
A follow-on order was announced in November 2019, with a value of NOK450 million. A second follow-on order – worth NOK820 million – was announced by the Norwegian company in December 2020. The third follow-on deal was not announced publicly.
Japan's Ministry of Defense (MoD) is procuring the JSM in line with its increasing focus on acquiring counterstrike capability. This capability was outlined as a priority in Japan's National Defense Strategy, which was released in December 2022, as a response to growing regional security risks.
This article, originally published on 4 November 2024, has been updated with new information.
For more information, please seeJoint Strike Missile.
Looking to read the full article?
Gain unlimited access to Janes news and more...
