Norway and Australia has signed an agreement where Australia will finance the development of a new capability for the seeker in the Join...
Norway and Australia has signed an agreement where Australia will finance the development of a new capability for the seeker in the Joint Strike Missile (JSM), developed by Norwegian company Kongsberg Defence Systems (KDA).
If Australia later decides to procure the JSM, then Norway and Australia will share the cost of integrating the JSM on the F-35.
The Joint Strike Missile is a long-range precision guided missile that can be carried internally in the F-35. By using a combination of advanced materials, an ability to fly low, while following the terrain and an advanced passive seeker, the missile will prove both extremely difficult to detect and stop even for advanced countermeasures and defence systems.
The current seeker that is being developed for the JSM is based on a technology known as "imaging infra red" that enables the missile to detect and identify targets based on its heat signature.
Under the terms of the newly signed agreement, BAE Australia will be tasked by the Australian Government to integrate a RF-seeking capability on the missile, which will enable to to also locate targets on the basis of their electronic signature. This will further strengthen the ability of the missile to locate and identify targets on a modern battlefield.
The JSM is being developed by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA) on behalf of the Norwegian Armed Forces, and will be integrated on the F-35 in its first phase of follow-on development during 2022-2024.
KDA has sourced components and technology for the missile from a broad network of subcontractors both in Norway and internationally to develop the new missile, and it is estimated that the JSM through its lifetime could support value generation for Norwegian industry equalling around 2.4 to 3 billion dollar.
