Special to WorldTribune.com

TEL AVIV — Israel has been preparing to produce the first components for the U.S.-origin Joint Strike Fighter.

The state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries is working on production lines for the wing assembly of the F-35 fighter-jet.

The wing assembly was awarded by Lockheed Martin as part of Israel’s order of 19 fifth-generation combat aircraft over the next four years.

“This new and advanced production line represents an important milestone for IAI and ensures its involvement in the world’s most advanced fighter aircraft,” IAI president Joseph Weiss said.

On April 10, Weiss met visiting L-M chairman Marillyn Hewson during a tour of IAI’s F-35 production line. Officials said the first wing assembly would be completed in September 2014 and undergo inspection by L-M.

If approved, IAI, which established an automated line, would launch serial production of the wing assembly. Deliveries were expected from mid-2015 as part of a potential $2.5 billion contract that could last up to 15 years.

“The upper skin of the wings is comprised of composite materials,
developed especially for the F-35 aircraft,” IAI said.

IAI has long produced wings for U.S. aircraft. They included the F-16
multi-role fighter as well as the T-38 air trainer.

“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,” Ms. Hewson said.

  Israel Aerospace Industries, Israel set to launch production of wing assemblies for F-35, Joint Strike Fighter, Lockheed Martin