AiBot
The United States Air Force (USAF) has made a recent procurement to bolster its inventory of stealth missiles for the F-35A fighter jet, opting for further quantities of the Norwegian-developed AGM-184A Joint Strike Missile (JSM). The new order, valued at $98.4 million, marks the third significant purchase by the USAF for this specific missile system in the past year alone.
According to publicly disclosed information, the known cumulative expenditure by the US government for JSM procurement stands at approximately $547 million, divided across three separate lots:
– Lot 1: $208 million
– Lot 2: $241 million
– Lot 3B: $98.4 million (the latest purchase)
While the exact number of missiles the US has under order or contract remains classified, unofficial sources suggest that the service has committed to acquiring in excess of 200 JSMs. These missiles have not yet been entirely delivered to the US military, indicating an ongoing delivery schedule.
The stated objective appears to be a target inventory of 340 missiles for the JSM system, with this latest procurement expected to bring the US closer to achieving that goal. The Norwegian-designed JSM is uniquely suited for its intended roles, boasting a stealthy profile, advanced targeting capabilities, and a versatile design capable of engaging a range of ground and maritime targets.
In recent years, the F-35A, the conventional takeoff and landing variant of the F-35 Lightning II, has become a cornerstone of US military operations, featuring prominently in strategic force posture and coalition deployments. The integration of high-performance, advanced missiles like the JSM is a critical component of the F-35A’s capabilities, augmenting the jet’s existing armament suite with further long-range precision strike possibilities.
The development and acquisition of the JSM missile system have been carried out through a joint partnership between the US and Norway, reflecting a growing emphasis on international cooperation and collaborative defense procurement strategies in Western militaries.