Norwegian firm Kongsberg has signed a contract to supply Japan with the Joint Strike Missile (JSM) for its fleet of F-35A fighter aircraft.
This is the fifth contract the Asian country signed to acquire this type of missile, valued at 1.9 billion Norwegian kroner ($173 million).
The deal “underlines the important role of the JSM in Japan’s national defense strategy and is another example of the close and growing relationship between Norway, Japan and Kongsberg,” said Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.
Features
The JSM is an air-launched cruise missile with an advanced navigation system that enhances accuracy for long-range missions.
It is designed to fit into the F-35’s internal weapons bay and can strike targets over 150 nautical miles (172 miles/275 kilometers) away.
The missile also features an advanced imaging infrared seeker, providing sophisticated target recognition capabilities.
Japan first ordered Kongsberg’s JSM in 2018. In 2020, it reached a deal with the US to buy 105 F-35 stealth aircraft for an estimated $23 billion.
Japan Boosting Air Defense
In recent years, Tokyo has been closely monitoring potential threats from North Korea, China, and Russia.
Consequently, the country has increased its defense budget, prioritizing the development of its air force capabilities.
In January, Japan partnered with Northrop Grumman and Mitsubishi Electric to jointly develop new technologies to enhance its air systems.
In September, Tokyo announced a $288 million budget to develop an electronic warfare aircraft based on the Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol plane.
Defense Buildup Program
Japan’s defense budget for the next fiscal year is expected to reach 8.5 trillion yen ($59 billion).
This is part of the country’s five-year Defense Buildup Program, which includes consistent annual budget increases aiming to reach 2 percent of Japan’s GDP in defense spending by 2027.