Norway has marked a significant milestone in its defense capabilities with the delivery of the first Joint Strike Missile (JSM) for its fleet of F-35 fighter jets. The announcement was made following the formal acceptance of all 52 F-35s that the country had previously ordered.
The introduction of the JSM enhances the F-35’s operational capabilities, allowing it to strike well-defended targets from a standoff range of approximately 350 kilometers (217 miles). Its design emphasizes high precision and a low detection risk, making it more difficult to intercept. Brigadier Jarle Nergard, the Head of Defence Materiel Air Capabilities, stated that this capability reflects a level of military proficiency that has traditionally been associated with major global powers. He emphasized that with the F-35 and JSM in Norway’s arsenal, adversaries must consider the possibility of Norway successfully striking strategic targets, such as naval vessels, radar installations, and command centers, independently of allied support.
The JSM, developed by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace in cooperation with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency and the Norwegian Defence Research Institute, is uniquely engineered for integration with the F-35’s internal weapon bay. This integration is crucial as it helps maintain the aircraft’s operational range and stealth characteristics. Measuring only 4 meters (13 feet) in length, the JSM is capable of targeting both land and naval operations, equipped with advanced features such as an infrared seeker, passive homing technology, and two-way communication systems. Its design allows for high maneuverability at low altitudes while maintaining a low radar signature.
Øyvind Kolset, head of the missile and space division at Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, expressed pride in Norway’s ability to develop world-class defense products through collaborative efforts between the defense sector and industry. He highlighted that the JSM significantly enhances Norway’s security against future threats.
In addition to Norway, Australia, Japan, and the United States have also shown interest in procuring the JSM, indicating its growing significance in global military operations.
The integration of this missile comes on the heels of Lockheed Martin delivering the final three F-35s to Norway on April 1. One of these aircraft will remain in the U.S. for ongoing testing related to the JSM. The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency noted that this testing is part of efforts to complete new software necessary for maximizing the aircraft’s capabilities as part of the first major F-35 upgrade. This work is deemed critical for ensuring the F-35 remains relevant in an evolving threat landscape.
