The weapon will be integrated with Canada’s next-generation fighter fleet. According to the additional information, it will be carried by Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II multirole combat aircraft being acquired by Canada.
“We are pleased to welcome Canada as the sixth country to select the JSM. The acquisition of the Joint Strike Missile can fundamentally improve the operational range and effectiveness of Canada’s fighter fleet. In addition to delivering world-class defence technology, Kongsberg is committed to contributing to industrial growth in the country.” Said Eirik Lie, CEO of Kongsberg.
Canada joins Norway, Japan, Australia, the United States and Germany as customers for the Norwegian missile. Serial deliveries have already begun at least to Norway and Japan.
Kongsberg also announced investments in Canada through the country’s Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy. The company said the investments are aimed at creating long-term industrial capacity by supporting job creation, dual-use technology development and cooperation between industry and academia.
The Joint Strike Missile was designed to fit inside the internal weapons bays of the F-35A Lightning II. According to the additional information, it is currently the only missile in its class that meets this condition.
The weapon is expected to be certified under the Block 4 configuration development programme for the F-35. The additional article said Norway’s success with the missile is linked to its role as a Level 3 partner in the F-35 Lightning II development programme.
During the NATO Summit in Ankara, it was also revealed that the United Kingdom and Romania are among further prospective customers. The same information said Norway and the United States also want to acquire additional missiles.
The additional article said the JSM could become a standard anti-ship missile for F-35A user nations in the coming years. The growing number of orders reflects demand for a weapon designed to preserve the aircraft’s internal carriage capability while expanding its operational reach.
