Rheinmetall prepares production line for F-35A centre fuselage sections in Germany [VIDEO]

Since January, approximately 35 heavy cargo shipments have arrived from the United States, delivering specialised machinery to the site. The equipment, each shipment weighing around five tonnes, will soon be installed as part of the factory’s transformation into a key node in the global F-35 supply chain.

Rheinmetall was awarded the contract by Northrop Grumman in 2023 to manufacture more than 400 centre fuselage sections for the world’s most advanced fifth-generation fighter aircraft. “In Weeze, Rheinmetall will in future manufacture at least 400 center fuselage sections for the world’s most advanced fighter jet, the F-35,” the company confirmed in a recent social media post.

By July 2024, Rheinmetall had already begun training personnel for the new production line, ensuring readiness ahead of full-scale operations. The company has also encouraged skilled professionals to join its growing aviation team, stating: “Are you also interested in working on this exciting project? Then join the team at #Rheinmetall #AviationServices!”

The expansion aligns with Germany’s commitment to the F-35A programme, as the aircraft will replace the ageing Tornado fleet, the only German platform currently certified to carry U.S. B61 nuclear bombs. The German Ministry of Defence has confirmed that “there are currently no direct alternatives to the American F-35 fighter jet” for fulfilling the country’s nuclear sharing obligations.

Most European-built aircraft remain in the fourth-generation class, lacking the stealth and advanced capabilities of the F-35. The F-35A, built by Lockheed Martin and featuring components from international partners, is currently the only fifth-generation fighter certified for NATO nuclear missions.

Construction of Germany’s first F-35A fighter, designated MG-01, began in the United States on 6 December 2024.