Israel Delivers First F-35 Components

Israel’s Elbit Systems-Cyclone delivered its first advanced component for the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter center fuselage produced by Northrop Grumman.

This delivery is a significant milestone for the F-35 program, as it is the first composite part manufactured by a country committed to purchasing future F-35s under the U.S. foreign military sales agreement.

The composite component delivered is one of 16 unique parts to be manufactured by Cyclone under a seven-year F-35 agreement with Northrop Grumman, which was signed in December 2011.

"We're anticipating receiving more than 50 component deliveries from Cyclone this year, so this is a great start and shows Cyclone's commitment to the program," said Michelle Scarpella, vice president of the F-35 program for Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. "With the first delivery under its belt, Cyclone has demonstrated that it is equipped and qualified to manufacture and deliver quality composite parts for the joint strike fighter aircraft, 19 of which Israel has committed to purchasing."