The Joint Strike Missile (JSM) is a multi-role version of the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) is an anti-ship and land-attack missile developed by the Norwegian company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA). Lockheed Martin and Kongsberg signed a joint-marketing agreement for this air-launched version of the NSM, as well as an agreement committing both parties to integrating the JSM on the F-35 platform. The project is funded by Norway and Australia. Kongsberg signed a contract for the first phase of development of the JSM in April, 2009, which is scheduled for completion within 18 months. The JSM will have multicore computers running Integrity real-time operating system from Green Hills Software.
This missile is a long-distance, anti-ship missile designed to take on high-value, heavily defended targets. The long standoff range (distance from the aircraft to the target) ensures that the aircraft and pilots remain out of harm’s way. JSM has sophisticated target acquisition capability that uses autonomous target recognition, made possible by an imaging infrared seeker. It is the only fifth-generation cruise missile that will be integrated onto the F-35 and also available for integration on other aircraft intended for offensive anti-surface warfare applications. Initial integration tests are being completed on the F-16 Fighting Falcon, with JSM specifically designed for the F-35 A/C weapons bay internal carriage.
FEATURES
Advanced engagement planning system that exploits the geography in the area
Accurate navigation system for flight close to terrain
High maneuverability to allow flight planning in close vicinity to land masses
Discriminating seeker with imaging infrared technology
Two-way networking data link (compliant with standard military equipment) offering target-update, retargeting and mission-abort capabilities
Kongsberg is studying methods to deploy the JSM from Norway’s submarines, and found shaping the missile to fit into the F-35’s confined bomb-bay also enabled it to fit in the Mark 41 Vertical Launching System. A VL-JSM could also compete with the Lockheed LRASM for the U.S. Navy’s OASuW Increment 2 for a ship-launched anti-ship missile. Australia expressed interest in buying the JSM in June 2014 to equip their F-35 fighters. The missile has also been pitched to South Korea and Japan, and Kongsberg is expected to attempt to make sales to other countries that have ordered the F-35A. The JSM is expected to become fully operational in 2025. Development is aimed to be completed in 2017 and achievement of initial operational capability (IOC) is expected in 2021 with the release of the F-35’s Block 4 software. Fit checks have been performed on the external hardpoints of all F-35 variants, and internally on the F-35A and C-models. Countries that operate other aircraft have expressed interest in the JSM, and fit checks have also been performed on the F-15 Eagle and F/A-18 Hornet, but integration on other platforms will not be conducted without a confirmed customer.
