The US Air Force (USAF) reportedly inked its first contract for Norwegian-made Joint Strike Missile (JSM) cruise missiles. The missiles are intended to give the USAF F-35As an interim stand-off anti-ship capability until the jets get the AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM). However, the JSMs can also engage targets on land and will be able to fit inside the F-35A’s internal weapon bays. As a result, it can be also carried internally on the larger carrier-based F-35C variant, which the US Navy and Marine Corps operate. It will allow the F-35 fighter jets to employ these weapons while staying as stealthy as possible.The US Air Force awarded the JSM production Lot 1 contract, valued at $141 million, to Norway’s Kongsberg Defence. “This contract provides for all up rounds, containers and test equipment for the Joint Strike Missile,” according to the Pentagon’s announcement.”Work will be performed in Kongsberg, Norway, and is expected to be completed by August 31, 2026,” said the Pentagon.