Fruit of Investment in Modernising Re-Opened Line
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has delivered the first F-16 wing and vertical fin to Lockheed Martin, following the reopening of the F-16 wing assembly line at IAI last year, as a result of increased worldwide demand for the F-16 Block 70/72.
Prior to reopening the line, IAI invested in modernising infrastructure, improving the work environment, and introducing new tools to produce fully compliant F-16 aerostructures. The company also successfully re-established the supply chain to support the assembly lines, checked and verified tooling, and conducted required first article inspections and training programes for the F-16 team.
The F-16 wing and vertical fin assembly lines marked the beginning of 40 years of collaboration between IAI and Lockheed Martin, collaboration which has grown and expanded in aviation and defence: for example, IAI also produces the F-16 conformal fuel tanks.
“The reactivated F-16 assembly lines join IAI’s aerostructures center of excellence for fighter aircraft. With decades of experience, customer satisfaction, and continued technological advancement, these first deliveries are a testament to IAI’s leading role in the aviation industry,” commented IAI President and CEO, Boaz Levy.
Joshua Shani, Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin Israel, added “The F-16 is a strategic and valuable choice for many customers around the world seeking advanced, 4th-generation fighter aircraft capabilities, regional and worldwide partnerships, and affordable lifecycle costs. Five nations have chosen the F-16 Block 70/72 for these reasons and more.”
