The U.S. Air Force has ordered a second batch of Joint Strike Missiles (JSM) to enhance its precision strike capabilities with the F-35 fighter jet. The $240.9 million contract, awarded to Norway-based Kongsberg Gruppen by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Eglin Air Force Base, covers full-rate production of about 50 missiles along with containers, test equipment, and support, ensuring the weapons are ready for operational use.
JSM Imaging Infrared Sensors Enable Accurate Target Identification
One of the most important features of the Joint Strike Missile is its imaging infrared targeting system. This technology allows the missile to detect heat given off by objects such as vehicles, buildings, or ships. Because it does not send out signals, the system is considered passive, making it harder for enemy defenses to detect the missile.
Imaging infrared sensors work in both day and night conditions. They can also see through smoke, haze, and poor weather. This makes the JSM especially effective in complex environments where visibility is limited. The sensor creates a clear image of the target area, helping the missile recognize what it is supposed to hit.
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The missile also carries an onboard target database. This database helps the missile compare what it “sees” with known target shapes and patterns. As a result, the JSM can identify specific high-value targets and ignore surrounding clutter. This is especially useful near coastlines or in built-up areas where many objects are close together.
Guidance systems such as GPS-aided navigation, inertial sensors, and terrain contour matching help the missile follow the landscape closely. The missile can fly low over land or skim just above the sea, reducing the chance of being detected. A two-way data link allows real-time communication with the launching aircraft or other missiles during flight.
JSM Designed for Stealth and F-35 Internal Carriage
The Joint Strike Missile is based on the Naval Strike Missile, a well-known precision weapon used for sea and land attack missions. However, the JSM has been reshaped specifically to fit inside the internal weapons bay of the F-35. This allows the aircraft to maintain its stealth profile while carrying powerful strike weapons.
Studies have shown that the F-35 can carry two JSMs internally. If stealth is less critical, the aircraft can also carry up to four additional missiles externally. This flexibility allows the jet to adapt to different mission needs without sacrificing performance.
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Advanced electronics onboard the JSM support low-observable flight and multi-role operations. Passive radio frequency sensors enhance awareness of enemy systems without sending out signals that could reveal the missile’s location. These features improve survivability in environments where electronic warfare threats are present.
The missile is also equipped with a two-way communication system compatible with modern military networks. This allows operators to retarget the missile or cancel the mission while it is still in the air. Such control adds an extra layer of safety and precision to strike operations.
Extended Range and Proven Strike Capability
Compared to its predecessor, the JSM offers a longer operational range, estimated at around 150 nautical miles. This extended reach allows aircraft to launch the missile from a safer distance while still striking critical targets effectively. The missile is suitable for both ground-attack and maritime missions.
The combination of imaging infrared targeting, autonomous recognition, and terrain-following navigation makes the missile effective against well-defended targets. These capabilities reduce reliance on external guidance and allow the missile to operate independently once launched.
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The Naval Strike Missile, from which the JSM is derived, is known for its ability to detect and discriminate targets on its own. It was originally developed to strike ships at or near the waterline to cause maximum structural damage. The JSM carries forward this precision while adding features needed for integration with advanced aircraft like the F-35.
By ordering this second batch of Joint Strike Missiles, the U.S. Air Force continues to expand its inventory of modern, precision-guided weapons. The JSM adds flexibility, accuracy, and stealth-compatible firepower to current air combat operations without changing the overall mission framework.