Germany to Buy Kongsberg’s Joint Strike Missile for F-35 Fighter: OSLO, NORWAY – Germany is set to acquire the advanced Joint Strike Missile (JSM) for its fleet of F-35 fighter jets, entering into an agreement with Norwegian manufacturer Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace valued at approximately 6.5 billion Norwegian Krone, or about $644 million. The decision makes Germany the fifth NATO ally and international partner to select the sophisticated, long-range missile for its fifth-generation aircraft.
The German government’s decision was formally approved by the country’s parliament, the Bundestag, on June 4, 2025. The procurement is structured as a government-to-government sale between Norway and Germany, a framework established under the existing Naval Defence Material Cooperation between the two nations. Under this arrangement, Norway’s Defence Material Agency (NDMA) will serve as the official contract partner for the deal. Negotiations are currently underway, and the final contract is anticipated to be signed by the end of the first half of 2025.
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RTX-Kongsberg’s NASAMS Missile.
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With this move, Germany joins an exclusive group of nations that have chosen the JSM for their F-35s, which includes Norway, Japan, Australia, and the United States. The missile is designed to be carried internally in the F-35’s weapons bay, preserving the aircraft’s crucial stealth characteristics while providing significant standoff strike capability.
Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, said: “We are pleased to welcome Germany as the fifth nation to select the JSM for its F-35 fleet. The JSM’s navigation system, flight profile and automatic target recognition technology make it a great match for the F-35.”
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The Joint Strike Missile is a multi-role weapon capable of engaging both land and sea targets at extended ranges. Its design incorporates a low-observable profile, advanced terrain-following navigation, and a high-end seeker, making it a formidable tool for penetrating modern air defenses.
The selection of the JSM is seen as a significant step in enhancing the offensive capabilities of the German Air Force’s future F-35 fleet, aligning its capabilities with other key allies. This bilateral defense agreement underscores the strengthening military cooperation between Norway and Germany within the NATO framework.
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