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.

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