Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman Sign Letter of Intent with Rheinmetall to Manufacture F-35 Center Fuselages
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC) have formalized a letter of intent with Rheinmetall AG, positioning Rheinmetall as a key strategic supplier for the F-35 center fuselage. This potential venture will facilitate the establishment of a second integrated assembly line (IAL) for the F-35 center fuselage in Germany, highlighting the increased involvement of European industry in the F-35 program.
Mike Shoemaker, vice president of F-35 Customer Programs at Lockheed Martin, stated, “Lockheed Martin has been a steadfast partner to Germany for over 50 years. The F-35 program is set to enhance our strategic alliances with integral industry players for many years ahead. The production of F-35 center fuselages in Germany will be crucial to fulfilling the surging global demand for these aircraft, essential for 21st Century Security.”
Northrop Grumman plays a significant role in the Lockheed Martin F-35 program, not only in the manufacturing of the jet’s center fuselage and wing skins but also in the development, production, and maintenance of sensor systems, avionics, and both aircraft and training software.
Glenn Masukawa, vice president and F-35 program manager at Northrop Grumman, remarked, “The center fuselage IAL is recognized as a state-of-the-art facility, harnessing exclusive technologies from Northrop Grumman that seamlessly incorporate automation with our aerospace tooling expertise. Our collaboration with Rheinmetall underscores our commitment to working with international partners to manufacture advanced aircraft.”
The F-35 program thrives on these partnerships by partnering with companies that possess the necessary technical capabilities. Since the F-35 program’s inception in 2001, German industries have consistently contributed to its success. Lockheed Martin is keenly interested in further industrial participation opportunities that will enable collaborations within the German industry and facilitate job creation in the manufacture, sustainment, training, research, and development of 5th Generation fighter aircraft.
This collaboration with Rheinmetall on the F-35 program emphasizes its crucial role in national security and is expected to enhance Germany’s capabilities. Rheinmetall will leverage its wealth of experience as an integrated technology group specialized in producing complex components and as an aviation-certified company to this partnership.
Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG, commented, “The long-established partnership between Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall, together with the longstanding relationships with the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces), will genuinely transfer know-how to Germany as an industrial hub. Additionally, this arrangement significantly contributes to risk mitigation by involving domestic partners with proven capabilities.”
Currently, the F-35 operates from 37 bases and ships worldwide, with nine nations deploying F-35 aircraft within their borders. More than 890 F-35s are actively in service, with upwards of 1,890 pilots and 13,570 maintainers trained on the aircraft.
For further details, you can visit www.f35.com.
About Lockheed Martin
Based in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin Corporation is a premier global security and aerospace firm employing approximately 116,000 individuals worldwide, dedicated to the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products, and services.
About Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology corporation, delivering pioneering solutions that empower customers to connect and protect the world while pushing the boundaries of human exploration. With a workforce of around 95,000, we tackle our customers’ most challenging problems by reimagining what is possible.
About Rheinmetall
Rheinmetall AG is an integrated international technology company and a comprehensive systems house for all military dimensions (air, land, sea, cyber), recognized as a premier development partner and direct supplier to the global automotive sector. With more than 25,000 employees across over 130 locations worldwide, Rheinmetall possesses extensive expertise in producing complex weapon systems, assemblies, and components.
