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.
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.
Kongsberg had not responded to Janes questions at the time of publication.
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.
For more information, please seeJoint Strike Missile.
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