Canada has significantly strengthened the future combat capability of its F-35 fleet by awarding Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace a major contract to supply Joint Strike Missiles (JSM). The long-range precision-guided cruise missile has been specifically engineered for internal carriage within the F-35’s weapons bay, preserving the aircraft’s stealth profile while enabling precision engagement of both land and maritime targets. Derived from the Naval Strike Missile, the JSM integrates advanced inertial navigation, terrain reference guidance, imaging infrared target acquisition, and two-way datalink connectivity to engage heavily defended targets with high precision. The acquisition complements Canada’s broader investment in 88 F-35A fighters, which will gradually replace legacy combat aircraft over the coming decade. Beyond increasing long-range strike capability, the purchase enhances interoperability with allied F-35 operators already fielding the weapon, including Norway, Australia, Japan, Germany, and the United States. The missile’s combination of survivability, precision, and extended stand-off range provides the Royal Canadian Air Force with a modern capability to conduct complex precision strike missions while minimizing aircraft exposure to advanced enemy air defense systems.
