Northrop Grumman, Rheinmetall, Lockheed Martin and German officials have joined for a ground-breaking ceremony in Weeze, Germany to establish a second F-35 centre fuselage Integrated Assembly Line (IAL) with Rheinmetall.

The IAL will help meet increased demands for the fifth generation fighter aircraft while bolstering defence capabilities with allied nations throughout Europe.

“The success of the IAL addresses Northrop Grumman’s vision to affordably manufacture a quality next-generation aircraft that meets the needs of a growing number of international customers,” said Tom Jones, corporate vice president and president, Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems. “Combined with Rheinmetall’s experience with German Armed Forces and European industry, the collaboration with Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin will foster critical skills and energize the region’s economy with high-tech job opportunities.”

With more than 600 aircraft operating from 26 bases and ships around the world, the F-35 plays a critical role in today’s global security environment. More than 1,200 pilots and 10,000 maintainers are trained, and the F-35 fleet has surpassed more than 350,000 cumulative flight hours.

Northrop Grumman’s first Integrated Assembly Line (IAL) in Palmdale, California produces F-35 centre fuselages, delivered across the three aircraft variants. The IAL is a world-class production facility using the latest in automation and robotics to deliver on large aircraft production efforts at scale.

The Palmdale facility plays a significant role in the company’s approach to producing military aircraft, while addressing the customer’s vision for progress and innovation to build the next generation aircraft. In February this year, the company delivered its 900th centre.

www.northropgrumman.com