Companies put pen to paper for German F-35 assembly line

Internationally, there are more than 890 F-35s in service, with more than 1,890 pilots and 13,570 maintainers trained on the aircraft. The aircraft operates from 37 bases and ships worldwide, for nine nations.

Lockheed Martin F-35 customer programs vice-president Mike Shoemaker said the potential partnership would expand the significant role European industry plays in the F-35 program alongside principal partner, Northrop Grumman.

“Lockheed Martin has been a committed partner to Germany for more than 50 years. The F-35 program will continue to strengthen our strategic partnerships with key industry partners for years to come,” he said.

“The F-35 centre fuselage production in Germany will be vital to meet the growing global demand for F-35s, which play a vital role in 21st century security.”

F-35 assembly line (Above). Photo: Northrop Grumman Corporation

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Northrop Grumman vice-president and F-35 program manager Glenn Masukawa said German industry has contributed to the F-35 program since its inception in 2001.

“The centre fuselage IAL is recognised as a state-of-the-art facility supported by technologies exclusive to Northrop Grumman, seamlessly blending automation with our expertise in aerospace tooling,” he said.

“Engaging with Rheinmetall demonstrates our commitment to collaborate with international partners to manufacture advanced aircraft.”

Rheinmetall AG chief executive officer Armin Papperger said cooperation with Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman underscores Rheinmetall’s importance for national security policy for Germany.

“The longstanding partnership between Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall, as well as the very close ties that have existed for decades between the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) and our company, lead to a genuine transfer of know-how to Germany as an industrial location,” he said.

“Furthermore, this set-up makes a significant contribution to minimising risk by bringing in national partners that are involved in a tried-and-tested manner.”

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.