Despite growing European doubts regarding the reliability of the U.S. F-35 fighters, Rheinmetall has recently announced that its new fuselage factory for these stealth aircraft is preparing to begin production in July 2025. The facility, located in the German town of Weeze, is expected to manufacture up to 400 new fuselages, underscoring the commitment of the German Air Force and its allies to the F-35 program.
The company shared the news through its social media channels, revealing that multiple shipments of machinery and supplies from the U.S. have already arrived ahead of the scheduled production start date. Reports indicate that around 35 heavy transport trucks have delivered equipment, which Rheinmetall plans to install soon with the support of Northrop Grumman, one of the F-35 program’s subcontractors.
It is worth recalling that the German company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Lockheed Martin in 2023 to produce components for the fifth-generation platform, aiming to expand the industrial network capable of manufacturing F-35 fighters. This move would make Germany the second European country, after Italy, to host such a facility, with Finland also progressing in constructing a new F135 engine center to support its recently acquired fleet.
On the other hand, as noted earlier, Rheinmetall’s advancements come amid significant concerns in Europe regarding their F-35 acquisitions. As reported on March 14, Portugal’s defense minister, Nuno Melo, stated in an interview that the country is reconsidering its planned purchase of F-35s to replace its aging F-16 fleet. Meanwhile, in nations like Belgium and Switzerland, rumors about a supposed “kill switch” in these aircraft have become widespread, prompting official government denials. This myth is also prevalent in Germany.
For now, in the absence of official statements regarding potential European withdrawals from the F-35 program, it is reasonable to assume that the new plant in Weeze will help accelerate aircraft deliveries to program partners. Given its geographical location, countries currently building their F-35 fleets, such as Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway, as well as Germany itself—which has ordered 35 aircraft and related weaponry for $8.4 billion—could benefit significantly from the facility’s operation, especially considering the delays in some of these deliveries.
Images used for illustrative purposes.
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