Norway Receives Joint Strike Missile for Newly-Acquired F-35 Fleet
Norway has received the first Joint Strike Missile (JSM) for its fleet of F-35 fighter jets.
The country announced the development on Monday as it formally accepted the delivery of all 52 F-35s that had been ordered.
The missile enhances the aircraft’s ability to strike well-defended targets from a stand-off range of around 350 kilometers (217 miles).
Moreover, high precision and low detection risk make the weapon harder to intercept.
“This is a capability that has previously been reserved for the major powers,” Head of Defence Materiel Air Capabilities Brigadier Jarle Nergard explained.
“With the F-35 and JSM, it means that an adversary must take into account that Norway can strike targets such as naval vessels, radars and command centers at great distances, without help from our allies.”
Designed for the F-35
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace developed the missile in collaboration with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency and Norwegian Defence Research Institute.
Measuring only 4 meters (13 feet) in length, the JSM is the only missile in its class that can be integrated into the F-35’s internal bay, helping retain the aircraft’s range and stealth.
The missile is designed to engage both land and naval targets and features advanced sensors such as an infrared seeker, passive homing, and two-way communication.
The highly maneuverable missile has a low radar signature and flies at low altitude.
“It is yet another proof that we in Norway can develop world-leading defense products through the close cooperation between the defense sector and industry,” head of the missile and space division at Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace Øyvind Kolset added.
“We are proud of the result and that we have contributed to the F-35 with JSM providing Norway with increased security against threats in the future.”
In addition to Norway, Australia, Japan, and the US have decided to procure the JSM.
Missile Integration
Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin delivered the final three F-35s to Norway on April 1. One of the aircraft remains in the US to support ongoing testing with the JSM.
“This is in connection with the completion of new software in the aircraft that is necessary to utilize all the capabilities contained in the first major F-35 upgrade,” the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency wrote.
“The work being done now is part of the continuous further development of the platform and is very important for the F-35 to remain relevant in the ongoing threat landscape.”
