Australia Orders Kongsberg's Joint Strike Missiles for F-35A Fighters

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has signed a contract with Australia to deliver the Joint Strike Missile (JSM) for the F-35A.

The Australian defense ministry said in an official release today that it signed a A$142 million (approximately $100 million) contract with the company for JSMs.

The Joint Strike Missile (JSM) was developed by the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) to integrate with the F-35A Lightning II's internal weapon bay, preserving the aircraft’s stealth capabilities. Designed for long-range strikes against land and sea targets, the JSM has a range exceeding 275 kilometers. Its low-altitude, sea-skimming flight profile helps reduce the chances of detection and interception by enemy defense systems.

The contract announced on September 5 supports Australia’s defense strategy and follows a A$850 million deal for Kongsberg to manufacture the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) in Newcastle. Unlike the NSM, the Joint Strike Missile (JSM) will be imported. Kongsberg’s new $25 million facility in Mawson Lakes, South Australia, will assemble NSM launchers.

The JSM is expected to enter service with the Royal Australian Air Force in 2025, complementing the Royal Australian Navy’s recent NSM integration. This investment also supports the Guided Weapons and Explosives Ordinance (GWEO) Enterprise.

Australia has committed to 72 F-35A aircraft for three squadrons: two operational squadrons at RAAF Base Williamtown and RAAF Base Tindal, and a training squadron at Williamtown. The first F-35A was accepted in 2018, and No. 3 Squadron became operational in 2021. The RAAF has received over 60 of the 72 F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters.