The first German combat aircraft F-35A has entered the final assembly phase at the production plant of Lockheed Martin a Fort Worth, Texas (USA).
Second UK Defence Journalthe aircraft has already been transferred to the final assembly station after its main structural components have been joined, including the wing sections and the front, middle and rear parts of the fuselage.
At this stage, the aircraft will receive the engine, control surfaces and remaining on-board systems. Final work will also include the application of coatings and finishes ahead of flight testing and deployment expected later this year.
The plane is one of eight currently in production at the plant Lockheed of Fort Worth. According to the current plan, the first eight German aircraft F-35A they will be delivered to Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where German pilots will begin training.
The program F-35A it is intended to provide the German Air Force with a stealth fighter capable of integrating with allied forces and supporting NATO operational requirements. Its low-observability design reduces radar detection, while its sensor system collects and fuse data from multiple sources to provide pilots with a comprehensive view of the battlefield.
Photo: Lockheed Martin. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
