Marillyn Hewson, Chairman and CEO of Lockheed Martin met today with Israel Aerospace Industries' (IAI) president and CEO Joseph Weiss, at the IAI F-35 fighter wings production line.

Since signing the contract with Lockheed Martin on April 2013 for production of wings for the F-35 fighter, IAI has invested considerably in the advanced systems and technologies required for the wings' production. An advanced, state-of-the-art and automated production line was established at IAI's main campus in order to meet the F-35 stealth design. The automated line is characterized by the highest accuracy, including strict control of humidity and temperature conditions as well as ensuring environmental protection during the production process. The upper skin of the wings is comprised of composite materials, developed especially for the F-35 aircraft.

The first article delivery F-35 wing assembly is expected to begin as planned, in September 2014, and be followed soon after by serial production. IAI will begin delivering the F-35 wings in mid-2015. The contract's duration is for some 10-15 years, with potential sales reaching $2.5 billion.

IAI LAHAV's wing production center is renowned for its extensive experience and knowledge in producing wings for Lockheed Martin's F-16 and the United States' Air Force T-38 aircraft, as well as assemblies for other aircraft and customers.

Marillyn Hewson, Chairman and CEO of Lockheed Martin said: “This is another significant milestone in the industrial cooperation that Lockheed Martin has with the Israeli defense industry. IAI has been manufacturing several components for our products for many years and the production of F-35 wings will be a continuation of this process”

Joseph Weiss, President and CEO of IAI, said: "This new and advanced production line represents an important milestone for IAI and ensures its involvement in the world's most advanced fighter aircraft. We welcome the strengthening relationship with Lockheed Martin and look forward to expanding IAI's work share in the production and sustainment of the F-35 program."