BAE delivers 1,000th F-35 Lightning II fuselage

BAE Systems has celebrated the delivery of its 1,000th F-35 Lightning II fuselage to Lockheed Martin.

More than 1,500 employees based at Samlesbury are involved with the production of the rear fuselage for every F-35 in the global fleet. The first fuselage was delivered to Lockheed Martin in 2005.

At an event held to mark the milestone achievement, Cliff Robson, group managing director, BAE Systems’ Air Sector, said: "This is a significant moment for everyone involved in the programme and a testament to the highly-skilled workforce we have in the North West of England.

"Our role on the F-35 programme is another example of how we make a substantial contribution to the local and national UK economy and help to deliver capability which is critical for national security."

Bridget Lauderdale, Lockheed Martin vice president and general manager of the F-35 programme, said: "The F-35 programme powers economic growth and prosperity for the UK injecting approximately £41bn into the UK economy and supporting more than 20,000 jobs in the UK supply chain, many of those based in the North West.

"With more than 500 companies in our UK supply chain, we’re proud of the role that our partnership with BAE Systems has in delivering the world’s most advanced aircraft for the UK and 17 other allied nations."

BAE Systems has been involved in the F-35 programme since its inception and plays key roles across the development, manufacture and sustainment of the aircraft, which is operated by the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and air forces across the world.