The Norwegian Armed Forces' joint strike missile (JSM) has successfully completed a flight test in the US.
Designed for F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter, the missile was tested aboard an Edwards Air Force-based F-16 over the Utah Test and Training Range west of Salt Lake City.
During the testing, the JSM performed flight manoeuvres while continuously alternating speed and altitude.
Kongsberg Defence Systems acting president Eirik Lie said: “The test verified all intended goals completing another milestone towards full integration on the F-35.
“The JSM programme is on track to provide the warfighter a long range precision strike anti-ship and land attack capability.”
Development of the JSM is currently underway, with plans to complete the missile's qualification programme in 2018.
The JSM is a long-range anti-surface missile primarily designed to be integrated within the F-35's internal carriage, enabling engagement of targets across long distances.
It features an advanced engagement planning system, accurate navigation system for flight close to terrain and an imaging target seeker for discrimination of land and non-targets.
The missile can also be integrated with other types of aircraft, Kongsberg said in a statement. It has been designed for both anti-surface warfare and naval fire support missions in open sea, littoral and over land.
Kongsberg and Raytheon are partnered to provide the JSM for US and international customers.
Image: The JSM is a long-range anti-surface missile primarily designed to be integrated within the F-35's internal carriage. Photo: courtesy of Kongsberg Gruppen.
