The US Air Force (USAF) has awarded Norwegian defense firm Kongsberg approximately $240.9 million for the second production lot of Joint Strike Missiles (JSMs).
The package covers the production of all-up rounds with containers, test hardware, and support items. Work will be performed in Norway, with completion expected by November 30, 2028.
This follows more than two years after Kongsberg landed its first JSM Lot 1 production contract from the USAF in May 2024.
Fit for the F-35
The JSM, derived from Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile (NSM) surface-launched weapon, is an air-launched cruise missile capable of precision strikes at long ranges, primarily integrated onto the F-35A Lightning II fighter jet.
The 13-foot (4-meter) missile, which weighs around 917 pounds (416 kilograms), fits completely inside the F-35’s internal weapons bay, preserving the stealth aircraft’s low-observable profile.
Once launched, the JSM can reach ranges greater than 217 miles (350 kilometers) at high subsonic speeds.
Several allied air forces also operate the JSM for their F-35 fleets.
This includes Japan, which received its first batch in March 2026, as well as Belgium, Germany, and Norway.
