Canada chose its means for providing fifth-generation F-35 fighters with long-range strike capability against russia and other threats. These became Joint Strike Missile (JSM) cruise missiles from Norwegian Kongsberg.
According to company announcement, this involves agreement valued at 4.7 billion crowns, or €421 million, announced back on June 30 but without disclosing customer. Now it is known Canadians will become sixth operators of this aviation weapons system.
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Kongsberg does not disclose ordered cruise missile quantity but notes investing in Canadian industry and scientific-educational sector. Such move is directed at creating multi-year cooperation and additional jobs.
Defense Express notes that if Canada is indicated as sixth JSM operator, confusion may arise with Belgium, which recently received U.S. permission for purchasing this weapons system. However permission does not necessarily mean further purchase, so Belgians will likely not be counted in list until firm agreement.
Besides Canada, Joint Strike Missile is in service or ordered by Norway, Japan, U.S., Australia and Germany. New order is facilitated both by high characteristics and somewhat unique capabilities compared to same Taurus.
Kongsberg missile provides target engagement capability at ranges up to 555 km, depending on launch altitude. At the same time its warhead is 120 kg, with hull having stealth elements designed to reduce observability and complicate interception.
JSM also has another unique distinction — capability to fit inside fifth-generation F-35 fighter internal weapons bay. Thus stealth advantage is preserved on battlefield.
Recall Canada ordered 16 F-35As, but according to currently available information wants fleet up to 72-88 aircraft, which will supplement another 72 Swedish Gripen E. Also Kongsberg will serve as one of important participants in fulfilling Canadian contract for up to 12 Type 212CD submarines to be built by German TKMS.
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