Boeing and Kongsberg Defense Systems of Norway recently completed a successful check of the Joint Strike Missile (JSM) on an F/A-18F Super Hornet at the Boeing St. Louis facility to ensure the weapons fit on the aircraft's external pylons.

The F/A-18 Super Hornet is a combat-proven strike fighter with built-in versatility. The Super Hornet's suite of integrated and networked systems provides enhanced interoperability, total force support for the combatant Commander and for the troops on the ground.

The JSM, which is being designed and built by Kongsberg, is a long-range, low-observable stand-off weapon able to engage land and naval targets. The test brings the JSM one step closer to Super Hornet compatibility.

“The JSM would give our international and domestic customers another potential air-to-surface weapon option designed to outpace advanced sea and land threats,” said Paul Summers, Boeing F/A-18 Innovation & Capability Growth director.   

Boeing and Kongsberg plan to conduct wind tunnel testing on a Block II Super Hornet early next year.