Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has signed a fourth contract with Japan worth $173.2 million to supply the Joint Strike Missile.
According to Kongsberg, the fifth-generation stealth air-to-surface missile, designed for anti-surface warfare and land attacks, will be deployed in Tokyo’s F-35A Lightning II fleet, enhancing its agility, range and low-signature capabilities.
Japan first ordered the JSM in 2018 and has since placed follow-on contracts with the Norwegian manufacturer. Earlier this year, its Ministry of Defense said that for fiscal year 2024, it would allocate $229 million for the JSM procurement to bolster its standoff defense capabilities.
Japan’s Missile Acquisition
The Kongsberg deal aligns with Japan’s $52.9 billion military modernization plan, with the government allocating funds for acquiring Type 12 missiles and hypersonic and standoff weapons.
In September, the U.S. Department of Defense awarded Lockheed Martin a contract for a foreign military sale to Japan of extended-range Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles and related equipment worth an estimated $104 million.
The U.S. Department of State also recently approved Japan’s request to procure 212 RIM-116E RAM Block 2B tactical missiles. According to the Defense Security and Cooperation Agency, the $360 million potential sale will enhance the nation’s defense capabilities over the East Asian and Western Pacific air and sea domains.
Joint Strike Missile Development
To accommodate the strong demand for the JSM, Kongsberg said it would set up a new missile production facility in the United States. Located in James City County, Virginia, the state-of-the-art missile plant will employ 180 workers to supplement the company’s existing Johnstown, Pennsylvania, site in assembling, upgrading and repairing Naval Strike and Joint Strike missiles.
Heather Armentrout, president and general manager of Kongsberg’s U.S. subsidiary, said the company will invest over $100 million in Virginia over the next few years. Kongsberg said the decision to build the new facility also hinges on an expected multiyear contract with the U.S. Department of Defense.
This development follows the recent opening of Kongsberg’s production facility in Australia, the first in the Asia-Pacific region, and its expansion to Norway.