On Monday, February 9, 2026, the Israeli company Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) announced that it had delivered the 350th wing set for the F-35 Lightning II multirole fighter to the American company Lockheed Martin, marking an important milestone in the long-running F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. The wing was manufactured and assembled using advanced and innovative technologies at IAI’s facilities.
Photo: IAI
This milestone was commemorated during a special ceremony held at Israel Aerospace Industries’ F-35 wing assembly line, attended by senior representatives of the Israeli government, including the Minister of Defense of Israel, as well as executives from Lockheed Martin and IAI.
IAI has been manufacturing F-35 wings since 2014, playing a key role in the international program initiated by the United States. Wing production is expected to exceed 800 units by 2025.
The strategic cooperation between IAI and Lockheed Martin (then the Lockheed Corporation) dates back to the late 1980s and reflects decades of trusted partnership, technological collaboration, and shared commitment to mission success. In 2021, the company resumed production of wings for the latest F-16C/D Block 70 aircraft. Production takes place on an automated line at IAI Aviation facilities, primarily in Lahav and the broader complex in the Lod and Tel Aviv area.
As emphasized by Lockheed Martin, in a record year for the F-35 Lightning II program, last year, 191 multirole fighters were delivered, surpassing the previous delivery record of 142 aircraft. Currently, 12 countries operate nearly 1,300 aircraft in service, while Northrop Grumman recently produced the 1,500th center fuselage section.
Israel’s Minister of Defense, Israel Katz, said:
“The delivery of the 350th F-35 fighter jet wing marks a significant milestone. The strategic alliance between Israel and the United States is more than a partnership, it is a deep and enduring friendship rooted in shared values. Together, we are stronger, as demonstrated time and again in recent months, most notably during the historic Operation Rising Lion and Operation Midnight Hammer, which dealt a devastating blow to Iran’s nuclear program. This strength will guide us in facing any future challenge. Thanks to U.S. President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the bond between our nations is stronger than ever and will stand firm against any test ahead. I extend my sincere appreciation to the employees of IAI and our partners at Lockheed Martin for making this achievement possible.”
U.S. Ambassador in Israel, Mike Huckabee:
“The delivery of the 350th F-35 wing is a powerful symbol of the ironclad partnership between the United States and Israel. This is more than a manufacturing milestone; it’s a testament to our shared commitment to security through technological excellence. When Israeli innovation and American industry collaborate, the result is unmatched capability that strengthens both our nations. We are proud to stand with IAI and Lockheed Martin in celebrating this remarkable achievement.”
Vice President of Operations, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Nick Drazic:
“The ongoing success of the F-35 program is enabled by a network of dedicated suppliers like IAI around the world. For four decades, IAI has been a collaborative, innovative and reliable partner, ensuring Lockheed Martin’s fighter aircraft deliver the capability our customers need to maintain peace through strength.”
President and CEO of IAI, Boaz Levy:
“The delivery of the 350th F-35 wing is a testament to the strength of IAI’s long-standing partnership with Lockheed Martin and the broader defense and aerospace collaboration between Israel and the United States. This milestone reflects decades of close cooperation with American industry, built on shared values, advanced technological capabilities and a mutual commitment to supporting critical defense programs.”
VP and GM of IAI Aviation, Yaacov Berkovitz:
“This milestone reflects the day-to-day cooperation between IAI Aviation and Lockheed Martin across the F-35 wing assembly line. Since 2014, our teams have consistently delivered high-quality wings through advanced manufacturing methods and disciplined assembly processes. Reaching the 350-wing mark demonstrates the strength of our production capabilities and the dedication of our team“.
IAI marked a significant milestone with the delivery of the 350th wing of the advanced stealth aircraft to @LockheedMartin, as part of the long-standing strategic partnership between Israel and the U.S. pic.twitter.com/u8Z2OClGMA
— Israel Aerospace Industries (@ILAerospaceIAI) February 11, 2026
See also:
