Rheinmetall finalises construction of F‑35 fuselage in strategic cooperation with Northrop Grumman

Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger highlighted the significance, stating that “the factory will manufacture key fuselage elements for one of the most advanced fighters in the world – the F‑35″ . He further detailed that the facility, spanning nearly 30,000 m², will create over 400 skilled aerospace jobs in Weeze, plus numerous roles with regional suppliers.

Baufertigstellung im #Rheinmetall Tempo – NRW-Ministerpräsident @HendrikWuest besucht kurz vor dem Produktionsbeginn die neue Fabrik in #Weeze. „Was wir heute hier sehen, das ist Zeitenwende zum Anfassen“, sagte Rheinmetall-CEO Armin Papperger. Eine der modernsten Fabriken… pic.twitter.com/fead5kg9eN

— Rheinmetall (@RheinmetallAG) July 1, 2025

The Weeze site marks the world’s second Integrated Assembly Line (IAL) for F‑35 centre fuselages, complementing Northrop Grumman’s Palmdale, California plant. Once fully operational, it is expected to produce at least 400 fuselages over 17–20 years, with an annual capacity of up to 36 centre sections .

In April 2024, Rheinmetall partnered with AERO‑Bildungs GmbH to train production mechanics on-site in Weeze, mirroring Northrop Grumman’s expertise from the USA. This “train‑the‑trainer” initiative is intended to ensure locally sourced know‑how and skills transfer.

These fuselage sections—each built from around 300,000 parts—will be shipped to Northrop Grumman in the US for final integration into complete F‑35 aircraft . Germany has ordered 35 F‑35As to replace its ageing Tornado fleet, and the jets are expected to begin entering Bundeswehr service from 2027.

Traditionally known for its production of tanks, artillery, ammunition and air-defence systems, Rheinmetall is broadening its aerospace footprint in response to heightened demand driven by the war in Ukraine. The company is now also investing in drones, satellites, navigation technologies—and building strategic partnerships with Northrop Grumman and prime contractor Lockheed Martin.

This factory represents a milestone in German‑American defence industry collaboration. NRW Minister President Hendrik Wüst praised it as “the best proof that the transatlantic connection functions and remains close and trustworthy”.

Rheinmetall’s entry into the F‑35 programme began with a memorandum of understanding in February 2023 between Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and Rheinmetall. The Weeze facility is designed to mirror Northrop Grumman’s automated production methods in California, using advanced robotics and integrated assembly lines.

The company’s aspirations extend beyond the twice‑yearly German order, aiming to supply allied nations and meet the global demand for next‑generation fighters. Northrop Grumman has committed Rheinmetall to produce at least 400 fuselage sections from 2023 onwards.

With regional expertise being crucial, AERO‑Bildungs’s training programmes in Weeze will ensure that German technicians can sustain high‑precision manufacturing standards. The site also includes R&D, testing, logistics, quality control and classroom facilities to support continuous skill development.

As the only currently certified fifth‑generation NATO fighter capable of carrying nuclear weapons under NATO’s nuclear sharing agreement, the F‑35A fills a unique and irreplaceable role for Germany. With no current European equivalent, expanding local production capacity contributes to both operational security and sovereign defence industrial capability .