Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace will build additional Joint Strike Missiles (JSM) for the U.S. Air Force under a $98.412 million contract modification, strengthening the F-35A’s ability to strike both moving warships and fixed land targets while preserving its low-observable profile. The award, announced by the U.S. Department of Defense on July 15, 2026, marks another step in integrating a stealth-compatible long-range cruise missile that expands the fighter’s combat reach without the penalties of external weapons. Designed for internal carriage inside the F-35A, the Norwegian-built JSM combines long-range precision strike capability with the aircraft’s stealth characteristics, improving survivability in contested environments. With deliveries running through June 2030, the program is advancing beyond evaluation toward operational fielding, reinforcing the U.S. Air Force’s growing focus on survivable stand-off strike capabilities for high-intensity warfare. Read more...
Kongsberg will deliver additional Joint Strike Missiles to the U.S. Air Force under a $98.4 million contract, expanding the F-35A’s ability to strike moving warships and fixed land targets while retaining internal weapons carriage and a reduced radar signature (Picture source: Army Recognition Group).