Lockheed, Northrop to Establish F-35 Assembly Line in Germany
BERLIN—Following Germany’s decision to acquire 35 F-35 fighter jets to replace its aging Tornados, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and German defense contractor Rheinmetall have agreed to establish a second F-35 center fuselage integrated assembly line (IAL) in Germany.
The three companies signed a letter of intent to establish the assembly line, which will expand the significant role European industry plays in the F-35 program.