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Representatives from Northrop Grumman joined Rheinmetall, Lockheed Martin and German officials for a groundbreaking ceremony in Weeze, Germany, on 1 August 2023 to mark work on establishing a second centre fuselage integrated assembly line (IAL) with Rheinmetall AG for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

The IAL will help meet increased demands for the fifth-generation fighter while bolstering defence capabilities with allied nations throughout Europe. Its establishment follows Germany formalising its decision to 35 F-35As in December 2022.

A second F-35 centre fuselage IAL is being established at Weeze in Germany. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)

“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,” Tom Jones, corporate vice president and president for Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “Combined with Rheinmetall’s experience with [the] German armed forces and European industry, the collaboration with Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin will foster critical skills and energise the region’s economy with high-tech job opportunities.”

The first F-35 centre fuselage IAL is located at Northrop Grumman’s facilities in Palmdale, California.

Peter Felstead 

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