ILA 2024: Kongsberg Wins Contract to Supply JSM Missiles to USAF for F-35A Aircraft.

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) has secured an Undefinitized Contract Action (UCA) with the United States Air Force (USAF) to supply Joint Strike Missiles (JSM) for their F-35A aircraft. Announced at ILA Berlin on June 5, 2024, the deal is valued at up to $141 million, with deliveries set to begin in 2026. This significant development underscores the USAF's commitment to enhancing its strike capabilities, particularly as the world's principal operator of the F-35A Lightning II.
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With a high subsonic speed and a range of over 275 kilometers, the JSM represents a significant evolution in precision strike capabilities (Picture source: ArmyRecognition)

The JSM, an air-launched strike missile, is specifically designed to integrate seamlessly into the F-35A’s internal weapons bay, supporting complex missions such as Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW) and land attacks. The missile is capable of engaging high-value targets in the sea, coastal waters, or on land, which are typically heavily defended. Its advanced mission planning capabilities allow for engagement based on a pre-defined set of Rules-of-Engagement, which can be adjusted off-board, on-board, and in-flight.

The development of the JSM was initially commissioned by the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA), highlighting the missile's origins and strategic importance to Norwegian defense capabilities. The missile’s selection by both the USAF and the Royal Norwegian Air Force also aligns with NATO’s vision for the interoperability of equipment among allied nations, enhancing collective defense capabilities.

The Joint Strike Missile (JSM) is an advanced, air-launched strike missile developed by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. It is specifically designed to fit within the internal weapons bay of fighter jets such as the F-35. The JSM is capable of engaging high-value, heavily defended targets both at sea and on land due to its precise aimpoint and sophisticated warhead technology, which includes measures to mitigate collateral damage. The missile is equipped with autonomous target recognition (ATR), allowing it to operate effectively in cluttered or complex environments. It also boasts highly agile, selectable end-game flight profiles and an extremely low sea-skimming altitude to enhance its survivability against modern air defense systems.

The development and integration of the JSM are well underway, supported by funding from the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF). The missile leverages the proven technology of the earlier Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and builds upon Kongsberg's extensive 50-year experience in missile technology. With a high subsonic speed and a range of over 275 kilometers, the JSM represents a significant evolution in precision strike capabilities. Its operational design and capabilities focus on flexibility and survivability, making it a potent tool for modern warfare. The JSM's introduction into service and its wide adoption, including evaluations and integration with various international forces, underscore its strategic importance to future military operations.

Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, commented on the USAF decision, noting that integrating the JSM with the F-35A significantly enhances the aircraft's internal strike capability and validates the missile's advanced design and functionality.

As KONGSBERG continues to expand its influence in the defense sector, the company's ability to secure such substantial contracts not only demonstrates its commitment to innovation and quality but also indicates the growing proliferation of the JSM as a key asset in modern air forces. This contract with the USAF likely marks a significant milestone in the missile's operational deployment and integration, potentially leading to further adoption by other F-35 operators worldwide.