Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman have signed a letter of intent with Rheinmetall AG as a promising strategic source of supply for the F-35 center fuselage. This potential partnership would establish a second F-35 center fuselage integrated assembly line (IAL) in Germany, expanding the significant role European industry plays in the F-35 program.

"Lockheed Martin has been a committed partner to Germany for over 50 years. The F-35 program will continue to strengthen our strategic partnerships with key industry partners for years to come," said Mike Shoemaker, vice president of F-35 Customer Programs at Lockheed Martin. "The F-35 center fuselage production in Germany will be vital to meet the growing global demand for F-35s, which play a vital role in 21st Century Security."