Japan’s Ministry of Defense has received the first deliveries of Joint Strike Missiles (JSM) for its F-35A fighter fleet, marking a key step in bolstering long-range precision strike capabilities. Developed by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, the JSM is a fifth-generation stealth air-to-surface missile designed for internal carriage in the F-35A’s weapons bay, preserving the aircraft’s low-observable profile.
This delivery follows a series of contracts, including a fifth follow-on order announced on December 19, 2025, valued at over NOK 800 million (approximately $72 million). Previous orders date back to March 2019, with subsequent agreements in November 2019 (NOK 450 million), December 2020 (NOK 820 million), and November 2024 (NOK 1.9 billion). Deliveries commenced by late March 2026, aligning with Japan’s efforts to expand counterstrike options amid evolving security needs.
The JSM features a low radar cross-section, operational range exceeding 500 kilometers, and advanced guidance systems for engaging static and moving targets in anti-surface warfare and land-attack roles. Its integration with the F-35A’s sensors enables real-time data fusion, mid-flight updates, and interoperability in networked combat environments. Japan joins Norway, Australia, Germany, and the United States as JSM operators, enhancing allied strike coordination.
“KONGSBERG is proud to have received another order from Japan’s Ministry of Defense to provide the JSM to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force,” stated Øyvind Kolset, Executive Vice President of Missiles & Space at Kongsberg. The missile’s compact design fits seamlessly within the F-35A, supporting operations in contested anti-access/area-denial scenarios.