The United States Air Force just secured a massive firepower boost for its elite fighter fleet. In a strategic move to dominate modern aerial warfare, the Pentagon awarded a staggering $241 million contract to arm F-35 Lightning II jets with cutting edge cruise missiles.
This deal introduces the Joint Strike Missile to the American arsenal in a major way. It promises to transform how the stealth fighters engage enemies at long distances. This procurement marks a pivotal shift in ensuring air dominance against near peer threats in contested environments.
Big Money for Smart Missiles
The Department of Defense officially greenlit the contract valued at exactly $240,904,098. The massive payout goes to Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace. This Norway based defense giant has spent years perfecting this weapon system.
The agreement secures “Lot 2” of the Joint Strike Missiles production.
Key Contract Details:
- Total Value: $240.9 Million
- Contractor: Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace (Norway)
- Completion Date: November 30, 2028
- Primary Recipient: US Air Force F-35A Fleet
The timeline suggests a rapid integration schedule. The Air Force wants these weapons ready for combat within the next four years. This urgency aligns with rising tensions in the Pacific theater. Military planners need reliable standoff weapons immediately.
dark grey f35 lightning ii stealth fighter jet flying over ocean
The Secret Weapon Inside the Bay
The Joint Strike Missile (JSM) is not just another bomb. It solves a critical problem for the F-35 pilot.
Most cruise missiles are too bulky to fit inside a stealth fighter. Hanging weapons on the wings ruins the radar avoiding shape of the jet. It makes the “invisible” plane visible to enemy radar.
The JSM is the only anti ship cruise missile designed to fit inside the F-35 internal weapons bay.
This capability changes everything. An F-35 can now carry two heavy hitting cruise missiles while remaining 100% stealthy. The jet can fly deep into enemy territory without triggering alarms. It can launch the missiles and escape before the enemy knows they are under attack.
“The ability to carry this weapon internally preserves the low observable characteristics that make the F-35 so lethal,” aviation analysts often note regarding this integration.
Stealth Tech Meets Lethal Accuracy
The missile itself is a marvel of modern engineering. It does not just rely on GPS coordinates.
The JSM uses a highly advanced imaging infrared seeker. It can see its target with thermal cameras. This allows it to distinguish between a military ship and a civilian vessel automatically. It can even target a specific part of a ship.
Technical Specifications of the JSM:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Length | 13.1 feet (4 meters) |
| Weight | 917 pounds (416 kg) |
| Range | Over 300 nautical miles |
| Speed | High Subsonic |
| Guidance | GPS, Inertial, Terrain Contour Matching |
The missile flies incredibly low. It skims the surface of the ocean or wraps around terrain features on land. This flight profile creates a nightmare for defensive systems. Enemy radar cannot see the missile until it is too late to react.
Strengthening the Pacific Defense
This purchase signals a clear strategic focus for the US military. The range and capabilities of the JSM are perfectly suited for island environments.
The vast distances of the Pacific Ocean require weapons that can travel far. A range of over 300 miles keeps the F-35 pilot safe from enemy air defense bubbles. They can strike hostile warships or land bases without ever entering the lethal zone.
Boeing also received attention in related defense spending announcements. However, the Kongsberg deal stands out for its immediate impact on tactical combat.
This upgrade ensures the F-35 remains the apex predator of the skies for the next decade.
The Air Force is not just buying a missile. They are buying the ability to kick down the door in a high intensity conflict. This $241 million investment makes the world’s most advanced fighter jet significantly more dangerous.
The first deliveries will likely reshape how squadrons train for maritime strikes. Pilots will soon have a weapon that matches the sophistication of their aircraft.
