The Norwegian armed forces’ joint strike missile (JSM) programme has successfully completed a missile flight test, proving the maturity of the missile and its flight control software.
During the test, the missile was launched at 22,000ft from an Edwards Air Force-based F-16 aircraft over the Utah test and training range.
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Kongsberg Defence Systems president Harald Ånnestad said: "This is a major accomplishment for the JSM program, and in addition several critical capabilities beyond the scope of the test were verified.
"The test demonstrates that we are on track with the qualification of JSM, which brings critical capability to F-35 and the warfighter."
The JSM is a long-range anti-surface missile primarily designed to be integrated within the F-35’s internal weapons bay, enabling engagement of both land and naval objects protected by advanced defence systems.
The production of the missile, which features an advanced engagement planning, a navigation system and an automated target recognition with imaging target seeker for discrimination between red, white and blue ships, is expected to be completed by 2017.
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By GlobalDataKongsberg is also collaborating with Raytheon for Norway’s JSM programme.
Raytheon Missile Systems Air Warfare Systems vice-president Mike Jarrett said: "This successful flight test further validates that JSM will be an ideal solution for the medium-range anti-ship and land attack mission.
The missile will be integrated on the F-35A, enabling the aircraft to fight well-defended targets across long distances.
However, the missile can also be integrated on other types of aircrafts in addition to F-35, the company stated.
Kongsberg received a NKr1.1bn ($177m) Phase III contract from the Norwegian Defence Logistics Organisation in July to complete the development and integration of the JSM onto the F-35 fighter.
