Rheinmetall has begun construction of a $220 million plant to produce fuselage centre parts for the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft

In February, it became known that Rheinmetall will set up production of fuselage centre sections for the F-35 Lightning II in Germany. Early last month, the German contractor signed a corresponding agreement with Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, and on 1 August began construction of the plant.

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The new facility of the German concern will appear in the city of Weeze, North Rhine-Westphalia. The plant will create more than 1,500 jobs. 450 people will be involved in production. The plant will occupy an area of approximately 60,000 square metres. The ground-breaking ceremony was attended by Hendrik Wüst, Premier of North Rhine-Westphalia.

The construction cost is estimated at €200 million ($220 million). The plant will be commissioned in 2025. The new facility will be able to create a minimum of 400 central fuselage parts, including 35 units for the F-35A Lightning II, which Germany ordered last year along with engines and missiles for a total of about $9bn. The purchase will be financed from the €100bn ($110bn) Armed Forces Modernisation Fund.

Source: Northrop Grumman, DW