IAI To Produce 40 Wing Sets For F-35 Stealth Fighter

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has received an additional contract from Lockheed Martin to produce 40 wing sets for the F-35 Lightning II multi-role stealth fighter aircraft.

IAI is scheduled to produce more than 800 pairs of F-35 wings, with a potential value of $2.5 billion, during the next 10-15 years, the company said in a statement Monday.

Since starting production in 2015, IAI has produced six wing sets and is expected to deliver a total of 12 sets during the first half of 2016.

Following execution of the initial contract in 2014, IAI inaugurated an automated F-35 wing production line.

The jets wing's upper and lower skins are made of composite materials, developed especially for the F-35. The wing production center at IAI's Lahav Division is known for its extensive experience and knowledge in producing wings for the F-16 and T-38 aircraft, as well as aero structure assemblies for other aircraft and customers.