Germany Approves Kongsberg JSM Acquisition For F-35 Jets

Germany is set to acquire the Norwegian-made Kongsberg Joint Strike Missiles (JSM) for its fleet of F-35 fighter jets in a government-to-government deal valued at approximately 6.5 billion Norwegian kroner ($639-$643 million). This agreement, approved by the German Bundestag in early June 2025, will be conducted under the Naval Defence Material Cooperation framework, with Norway's Defence Material Agency acting as the contracting authority. Germany becomes the fifth country to select the JSM, joining Norway, Japan, Australia, and the United States. The JSM is a stealthy, air-launched cruise missile designed specifically for the F-35, capable of precision strikes on well-defended sea and land targets at long range while maintaining the aircraft's low radar signature. The missile features advanced navigation, flight profile, and automatic target recognition technologies, making it highly effective against sophisticated countermeasures. Contract finalization is expected by mid-2025, enhancing cooperation between Norway and Germany in missile defense capabilities.