Germany’s First F-35A Advances to Final Assembly

Soaring Above the Production Line

Recently, the first F-35A Lightning II aircraft for the Luftwaffe, or German Air Force, progressed further in its journey through the mile-long production line at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth, Texas site, as it was hoisted by an overhead crane to the final assembly station.

5th Gen German Air Defense Takes Shape

The airframe entered final assembly with its weight on wheels for the first time and its four major components – the wing and the forward, center and aft fuselage – freshly mated. These pieces were joined together at an electronic mate and alignment system using advanced laser-guided fixtures. In final assembly, the engine will be installed, and control surfaces and final systems will also be added.

This major milestone comes on the heels of German State Secretary Nils Hilmer’s visit to the Fort Worth site last November for a forward fuselage bulkhead signing. This aircraft is one of the first eight German F-35s currently taking shape at the Fort Worth facility. German F-35s started major assembly at the Marietta, Georgia site in December 2024.

Looking Ahead for the F-35 Germany Program

From major assembly, the aircraft will receive its paint and final finishes, including its stealth coating, ultimately preparing it for first flight and an official roll-out ceremony later this year. Germany has a total of 35 F-35As in its program of record. The first eight German F-35s will be delivered to Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas, for pilot training. 

The F-35’s 5th Generation technology, including stealth, advanced sensors and information fusion, provides Germany with unmatched defense capabilities. It will deliver sovereign security and deterrence from evolving threats for decades to come while ensuring interoperability with key allies amid a robust and growing European F-35 fleet.