Rheinmetall could build F-35 center fuselage in Germany

Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Rheinmetall AG as a promising strategic supply source for the F-35 center fuselage. This potential partnership would establish a second integrated assembly line (IAL) for the F-35 center fuselage in Germany.

“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,” said Mike Shoemaker, vice president of F-35 Customer Programs at Lockheed Martin. “The F-35 center 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.”

Northrop Grumman is a major partner in Lockheed Martin’s F-35 program. In addition to manufacturing the aircraft’s center fuselage and wing skins, the company is also responsible for the development, production and maintenance of sensor systems, avionics and training and aircraft software.

“The center fuselage IAL is recognized as a state-of-the-art facility supported by technologies exclusive to Northrop Grumman, seamlessly blending automation with our expertise in aerospace tooling,” said Glenn Masukawa, vice president and F-35 program manager, Northrop Grumman. “Engaging with Rheinmetall demonstrates our commitment to collaborate with international partners to manufacture advanced aircraft.”.

The German F-35

After years of uncertainty as to which model (F-35, Super Hornet/Growler or Eurofighter) would eventually replace the Luftwaffe’s Panavia Tornado, on December 14, 2022, then German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht announced that the budget for the purchase of 35 F-35As had been approved, finally settling the issue.

As previously reported by Lockheed Martin, the deal includes a complete package of engines, mission-specific equipment, spare and replacement parts, technical and logistical support, training and armament. This agreement could be understood as part of the industrial offsets that are being negotiated prior to the signing of the purchase contract.

“The long-standing 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,” said Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG. “Furthermore, this setup makes a significant contribution to minimizing risk by bringing in national partners that are involved in a tried-and-tested manner.”

The German F-35A, with deliveries scheduled from 2026/7, will be responsible for carrying out Germany’s fundamental nuclear deterrence mission, using the American B-61 bomb, currently deployed on some specially adapted Tornadoes.