A development of theNaval Strike Missile (NSM), the Joint Strike Missile (JSM) will feature an option for ground strike and a two-way communications line, so that the missile can communicate with the central control room or other missiles in the air. This missile will be integrated with theLockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. Studies have shown that the F-35 would be able to carry two of these in its internal bays, while four additional missiles could be carried externally.
Lockheed Martin and Kongsberg signed a joint-marketing agreement for this air-launched version of the NSM, as well as an agreement committing both parties to integrating the JSM on the F-35 platform.[6][7] The project is funded by Norway and Australia.[8] Kongsberg signed a contract for the first phase of development of the JSM in April, 2009, which is scheduled for completion within 18 months.[9] The JSM will have multicore computers running theIntegrity real-time operating system fromGreen Hills Software.[10]
Compared with the Naval Strike Missile, the Joint Strike Missile features:
Form factor altered to allow the missile to fit into the F-35's internal bays[12]
The ability to attack sea and land targets
Compatibility with various aircraft as launch platforms
Improved range: estimates include 150 nmi (170 mi; 280 km)[12] to more than 100 nmi low-low or more than 300 nmi (350 mi; 560 km) hi-low flight profiles[13]
The integration of the JSM with the F-35, and testing in the United States is facilitated by Lone Star Analysis, under long term contract with the Norwegian Ministry of Defense.[16]
On 22 August 2024, Australia's Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, the Hon. Pat Conroy MP, announced a AU$850 million partnership agreement had been signed with Kongsberg's local subsidiary — Kongsberg Defence Australia — for the manufacture and servicing of the JSM (and NSM) for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) at a new purpose built factory. The factory is to be constructed at RAAF Base Williamtown near the city of Newcastle in New South Wales. Manufacturing of missiles is expected to commence from 2027.[17]
JSM-SL: After the development of a torpedo tube launched version of the Naval Strike Missile (NSM-SL) was canceled in 2021,[18] The Netherlands and Spain started considering a joint procurement of a torpedo tube launched version of the JSM instead. The project was disclosed to the Dutch parliament in 2025.[19]
VL-JSM: Kongsberg were studying methods to deploy the JSM from Norway's submarines,[20] and found shaping the missile to fit into the F-35's confined bomb-bay also enabled it to fit in theMark 41 Vertical Launching System. A VL-JSM could also compete with the Lockheed LRASM for the U.S. Navy's OASuW Increment 2 for a ship-launched anti-ship missile.[21] On 15 July 2014, Kongsberg andRaytheon announced that they had formed a teaming agreement to offer the JSM to theUnited States Navy for their Offensive Anti-Surface Warfare (OASuW) requirement;[22] a teaming agreement is an interim agreement between partners which commits them to their roles during the development and marketing stage of a project. It would generally be transformed into a formalsub-contracting agreement once an order for delivery has been placed.[23] Raytheon would produce JSMs for the American market.[24] Ultimately the program, then known asHypersonic Air Launched Offensive Anti-Surface, was cancelled during 2024.[25]
Prior to the formal order of the JSM by the Australian Air Force in September 2024, Kongsberg announced in August 2024 that it was building a facility where the missile would be manufactured, in collaboration with the Australian government.[27]
In April 2025, construction started on the JSM andNSM factory in Newcastle Airport Precinct (co-located withRAAF Base Williamtown), and will be the first outside of Norway to build and maintain both types of missile.[28]
In September 2024, Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace announced that it was building a new missile production facility in James City County in Virginia. The plan is to have a facility that will assemble, upgrade and repair the Naval Strike Missile and the Joint Strike Missile. The investment will amount to USD $100 million, and Kongsberg plans to hire 180 people.[29][30]
The German government announced to purchase the JSM in June 2025 for theGerman Air Force.[40][41]
At the end of June 2025, the German and Norwegian defence ministers signed an agreement for a value of €478.7 million. The first delivery is expected before the end of 2027.[42]
In December 2021, theFinnish Air Force selected F-35 as their future fighter jet, and have selected JSM among other weaponry.[55] As of 2024, no firm order has been confirmed.
In July 2024, the Italian parliament revealed that it would equip the 20 F-35B of theItalian Navy with the JSM missile and theMBDA SPEAR 3.[56] These aircraft can be operated from the two aircraft carriers of the Italian Navy.
Norway
Belgium
Germany
Japan
United States
Finland
Italy
