Japan to start receiving JSM from March 2022
Japan is to take delivery of the Joint Strike Missile (JSM) in March 2022, according to the defence ministry and national media.
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace signed a contract in March 2019 (plus a follow-on deal eight months later) to supply the missile for the Japanese fleet of F-35A combat aircraft.
The JSM is a stealth air-to surface missile designed to strike well-defended sea and land targets across long distances.
As the missile can be carried internally in the F-35, it maintains the low radar signature of the aircraft.
Shephard Defence Insight notes that the 525kg JSM is 3.95m long and has a range of 280km.
Since June, when it discontinued a plan to deploy Aegis Ashore land-based interceptor missile batteries, the Japanese government has discussed possible deterrents against ballistic missile attacks, including the capability to strike enemy bases.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Denmark air focus: $2.64 billion UAV market blends US imports with Nordic cooperation]()
Denmark air focus: $2.64 billion UAV market blends US imports with Nordic cooperation
While Denmark appears to be more committed to UAVs than most of its Nordic neighbours, its procurement efforts are likely to be split between American-made systems for its larger requirements and Nordic partnerships for smaller platforms.
-
![Saab Gripen E/F: the multirole fighter that’s seeing a resurgence (updated 2026)]()
Saab Gripen E/F: the multirole fighter that’s seeing a resurgence (updated 2026)
The single-engine multirole fighter jet is seeing heightened demand with a sizeable orderbook and expanding export potential, as Shephard summarises the aircraft’s latest orders and developments.
-
![First GCAP contract marks milestone for Edgewing, while UK waits on further funding]()
First GCAP contract marks milestone for Edgewing, while UK waits on further funding
The design and development contract is set to run until the end of June and will now enable the partnership to drive the programme forward as it targets its 2027 demonstrator date.
-
![UK SMEs remain vulnerable in effort to help build sovereign capabilities, JCNSS report warns]()
UK SMEs remain vulnerable in effort to help build sovereign capabilities, JCNSS report warns
The report comes as heads of industry bodies warn that the delayed defence spending plan has left smaller and medium sized businesses in stasis, unable to plan or seek out further investment.
