Germany has signed a major contract with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace to procure additional Joint Strike Missiles (JSMs) for its future fleet of F-35 Lightning II fighter jets. The advanced cruise missile is specifically designed to fit inside the F-35’s internal weapons bay, preserving the aircraft’s stealth profile while delivering long-range precision strike capability. The missile can engage both naval and land targets at ranges of up to 350 kilometers using GPS, inertial navigation, terrain mapping, and advanced mission planning systems. Germany’s acquisition is part of broader defense cooperation with Norway, which also includes joint submarine programs and next-generation missile development initiatives. The procurement strengthens Germany’s future air combat capability while enhancing NATO interoperability and precision strike readiness.
