
Kongsberg to Deliver Joint Strike Missiles to US Air Force to Enhance F-35A Precision Strikes
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace announced on January 27, 2025, a new phase in its strategic partnership with the U.S. Air Force through the delivery of Joint Strike Missiles (JSM). According to the company, this collaboration has been strengthened by a firm-fixed-price contract modification worth $70 million, bringing the total value of the agreement to $208 million. This contract extension reflects the growing trust between the Norwegian company and the U.S. military.
The production and development of the JSMs will take place at Kongsberg’s headquarters in Norway, and completion is anticipated by September 2027. This agreement follows an earlier preliminary contract signed in June 2024, valued at $141 million, which laid the foundation for this expanded partnership. Deliveries of the Joint Strike Missiles, designed specifically for integration with the F-35A Lightning II fighter jets, are expected to commence in 2026. They will bolster the operational arsenal of the U.S. Air Force with cutting-edge capabilities.
The Joint Strike Missile has been developed to address the increasingly complex requirements of modern military operations. As a fifth-generation weapon, the JSM is designed to be housed within the internal weapons bay of the F-35A, ensuring compatibility with the aircraft’s stealth configuration. The missile offers precision strike capabilities, operational flexibility, and a low radar cross-section, allowing it to perform effectively in contested environments. Its ability to engage both land and maritime targets, including high-value and heavily defended assets, underscores its versatility in addressing diverse mission profiles.
Equipped with an operational range exceeding 275 kilometers, the JSM employs state-of-the-art navigation systems, including GPS, inertial navigation systems (INS), and terrain-matching guidance. These features ensure high accuracy and effectiveness even under challenging operational conditions. The missile’s warhead, weighing 130 kilograms, is optimized for precision targeting, minimizing collateral damage while achieving mission objectives.
The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) initiated the development of the JSM as part of efforts to modernize and enhance Norway’s defense capabilities. The missile, which weighs 416 kilograms, also incorporates advanced mission planning capabilities. These capabilities allow for pre-launch and in-flight adjustments to adapt to dynamic battlefield conditions. This feature, combined with its ability to adhere to specific rules of engagement, makes the JSM a valuable asset for modern air forces seeking to maintain a strategic edge in complex theaters of operation.
Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, expressed the company’s commitment to supporting U.S. defense objectives, stating, “We are pleased to welcome the U.S. Air Force to the JSM user group and look forward to continuing to support U.S. defense capabilities with our strike missiles.” His statement underscores the strategic importance of this partnership, which further solidifies Kongsberg’s role as a leading supplier of advanced defense solutions to allied nations.
By joining the JSM user group, the U.S. Air Force aligns itself with a growing list of nations that have invested in this advanced technology to ensure operational superiority. The missile’s compatibility with the F-35 Lightning II platform enhances the aircraft’s stealth and sensor capabilities, making it a critical asset for missions requiring high levels of precision and survivability. The JSM’s integration with the F-35 also highlights the broader strategic shift towards leveraging fifth-generation technologies for modern warfare.
This agreement between Kongsberg and the U.S. Air Force signifies a crucial step forward in the evolution of modern defense capabilities. It underscores the importance of technological innovation in addressing emerging security challenges and maintaining operational readiness. For Kongsberg, this partnership reinforces its position as a trusted provider of precision strike solutions and highlights its contributions to the defense strategies of allied nations.