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
-
![Elbit Systems discloses Iron Beam update and work on laser solution for IAF]()
Elbit Systems discloses Iron Beam update and work on laser solution for IAF
In its Q2 earnings call, the company said it has internal targets set for similar double-digit growth for 2026, as it welcomed a 21% boost in 2025 profits so far compared to 2024.
-
![Poland confirms US$3.8 billion F-16V upgrade]()
Poland confirms US$3.8 billion F-16V upgrade
The Mid-Life Upgrade agreement comes as Poland makes significant increases in its defence spend as its plans to increase it to 5% of GDP by 2026.
-
![How unconventional warfare demands are changing the CUAS and drone development landscape]()
How unconventional warfare demands are changing the CUAS and drone development landscape
The use of drones in unconventional ways is accelerating technological advances and countermeasures as military planners try to stay ahead of the drone revolution in military affairs.
-
![Applied Intuition takes aim at major air combat programmes with UK expansion]()
Applied Intuition takes aim at major air combat programmes with UK expansion
The autonomous software company’s new UK subsidiary is the latest in a line of businesses poised to expand and offer its services to the UK Ministry of Defence and industry, as the country invests more in AI and autonomous technology to deliver the next generation of uncrewed systems.
