Japan has officially received the first shipment of Joint Strike Missiles to equip its F-35A Lightning II aircraft, marking a major step forward in strengthening its precision strike capabilities. Developed by Kongsberg, the JSM is an air-launched cruise missile optimized for stealth integration within the F-35’s internal weapons bay. It offers a strike range exceeding 500 kilometers and uses advanced navigation and targeting systems, including a jam-resistant infrared seeker, to ensure accuracy in contested environments. The delivery follows a series of contracts signed between Japan and the Norwegian manufacturer, reflecting Tokyo’s commitment to enhancing its deterrence posture. Widely adopted by several advanced militaries, the JSM provides flexible mission capability, including anti-ship and land-attack operations, making it a critical addition to Japan’s evolving air combat arsenal.
