Tokyo will buy JSM missiles for F-35A Lightning II aircraft, according to Japanese Defence Ministry sources.

It has been confirmed that a contract has been signed with Japan for JSM missiles produced by Norway-based KONGSBERG. The ammunition produced with composite materials that reduce its electromagnetic track, which is 4 meters long and weighs 400 kg, is scheduled to be delivered to the Japanese Self-Defence Forces by 2022.

JSM, which began its development in 2008, can be used against sea and land targets.

KONGSBERG declared JSM the only long-range naval and ground missile that could be transported inside the F-35. However, ahead of tensions with the F-35 program between Turkey and the United States, ROKETSAN was developing the SOM-J missile in cooperation with Lockheed Martin.