Rheinmetall Unveils Ambitious Plans for Cutting-Edge F-35 Fuselage Manufacturing Hub in Germany
In conjunction with its American collaborators Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin, Rheinmetall has achieved another significant milestone in a crucial Bundeswehr initiative, while simultaneously initiating a new era in German-American defense technology collaboration. The Düsseldorf-based tech firm aims to establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Weeze, located in the Kleve district of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany, dedicated to producing fuselage sections for the F-35A Lightning II, recognized as the premier combat aircraft globally. The choice of factory location followed a thorough evaluation of potential sites across Germany.
The forthcoming facility is set to manufacture a minimum of 400 F-35A fuselage sections for the air forces of Germany and allied nations. An integrated technology consortium, Rheinmetall will leverage its vast expertise in crafting intricate components and its aviation experience. Manufacturing is anticipated to commence in 2025.
“We take pride that our enduring alliance with Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin, along with our longstanding relationship with the Bundeswehr, is facilitating a genuine transfer of expertise to Germany,” stated Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger. “We are delighted to contribute to ensuring Germany’s future as a technological leader, particularly in NRW, our enduring corporate headquarters. Located near the state capital Düsseldorf, we are set to build a factory that establishes benchmarks throughout Europe. We are immensely grateful for the political and administrative assistance we received in Weeze during our site selection process.”
“Northrop Grumman will duplicate our automated and manufacturing technologies of the Integrated Assembly Line in Weeze,” expressed Glenn Masukawa, vice president for Northrop Grumman’s F-35 program. “Joined with Rheinmetall’s abilities, our partnership with Lockheed Martin in producing the center fuselage is vital for fortifying global security. We eagerly anticipate the success of this new F-35 facility.”
“We are enthusiastic about Rheinmetall’s prompt site decision for the upcoming F-35 center fuselage production facility. This signifies an important achievement in the German F-35 program—this capacity enhancement supports the growing global demand, further enabling the F-35 to remain ahead of evolving threats in the 21st-century landscape,” noted Mike Shoemaker, vice president of F-35 Customer Programs at Lockheed Martin. “Lockheed Martin is dedicated to nurturing industry partnerships and generating employment opportunities in Germany. We value Rheinmetall’s role as an adaptable and responsive partner and look forward to ongoing collaboration.”
Boasting cutting-edge technology, the proposed factory will be managed by Rheinmetall Aviation Services GmbH. It will encompass 60,000 square meters of operational space. Over 400 highly skilled personnel will operate the advanced assembly line. Additionally, the facility will feature logistics and storage areas, research and testing centers, classrooms, and quality assurance units.
