In a significant advancement for its military capabilities, Germany has officially committed to acquiring the Joint Strike Missile (JSM) for its fleet of F-35 fighter jets through a deal with Norway valued at approximately 6.5 billion Norwegian kroner, equivalent to $642 million. This procurement was ratified by the German Parliament on June 4, marking Germany as the fifth nation to adopt the Kongsberg-developed missile, joining the ranks of Norway, Japan, Australia, and the United States.
The formal signing of this agreement is anticipated to take place by the close of the first half of 2025. This government-to-government transaction will see Norway facilitating the procurement of the air-to-ground missiles from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace on behalf of Germany. This collaborative effort follows a pre-existing bilateral framework that previously supported Germany’s acquisition of the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) Block 1A and the joint development of the next-generation NSM, known as the SuperSonic Strike Missile Tyrfing. The partnership between the two nations also includes cooperation in the acquisition, operation, and maintenance of the new 212CD submarines.
Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, expressed enthusiasm for Germany’s decision, stating, “We are pleased to welcome Germany as the fifth nation to select the JSM for its F-35 fleet.” He emphasized the missile’s advanced features, including its navigation system, flight profile, and automatic target recognition technology, which make it particularly well-suited for integration with the F-35 aircraft.
The Joint Strike Missile will be equipped on Germany’s fleet of 35 F-35 aircraft, which are being procured from the United States. The JSM, measuring approximately 4 meters (13 feet) in length, has been specifically designed to fit within the internal weapons bay of the F-35, thereby maintaining the aircraft’s stealth capabilities and operational range.
Weighing in at 416 kilograms (917 pounds), the missile is capable of targeting both land and naval threats with an operational range of about 350 kilometers (217 miles). However, when deployed in low-altitude mode to dodge air defenses, its effective range is reportedly reduced by nearly 50%. The JSM is optimized for anti-surface warfare as well as naval fire support missions across a spectrum of environments, including open ocean, land, and coastal regions.
Furthermore, the missile is equipped with a 260-pound (118-kilogram) warhead and employs a sophisticated set of navigational technologies, including Global Positioning System (GPS), Inertial Navigation System, and terrain mapping. This combination ensures reliable navigation capabilities, even in scenarios where GPS signals are unavailable. Additionally, the JSM features a two-way data link and an advanced mission planning system, enabling operators to leverage geographic information for improved targeting efficiency.
Germany’s commitment to acquiring the JSM enhances its military capabilities while further solidifying collaborations with Norway in defense technology and procurement.
