Rheinmetall AG has been identified as a potential strategic source of supply for the F-35 center fuselage, and has signed a letter of intent with Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman to establish a second F-35 center fuselage integrated assembly line in Germany. This move will expand the role that European industry plays in the F-35 program and help to meet the growing global demand for F-35s.

Lockheed Martin has a long-standing partnership with Germany and the F-35 program will continue to strengthen that relationship for years to come. Northrop Grumman is a principal partner on the F-35 program and is responsible for manufacturing the jet’s center fuselage and wing skins, as well as developing, producing, and maintaining sensor systems, avionics, and aircraft and training software.

The center fuselage integrated assembly line is a state-of-the-art facility supported by technologies exclusive to Northrop Grumman. The company is committed to collaborating with international partners to manufacture advanced aircraft and engaging with Rheinmetall underscores this commitment.

The F-35 program has been utilizing companies with the right technical capabilities and German industry has been contributing to the program since its inception in 2001. Lockheed Martin is exploring additional industrial participation opportunities to enable partnerships across the German industry and create jobs in 5th Generation fighter aircraft manufacturing, sustainment, training, research, and development.

Rheinmetall’s participation in the F-35 program underscores its importance for national security policy and will bring essential capabilities to Germany. The company has experience both in the production of complex components and as an aviation-certified company, making it a valuable partner for the program.

There are currently 890 F-35s in service, with more than 1,890 pilots and 13,570 maintainers trained on the aircraft. The F-35 operates from 37 bases and ships worldwide, with nine nations operating F-35s on their home soil.