Ft. Worth (WBAP/KLIF News) – Lockheed Martin has finished production of Japan’s first F-35 at its plant in Fort Worth. A total of 12 countries have ordered the F-35.
Lockheed says the F-35 provides an advantage over the F-16 because each model has more in common.
“While the F-16 was used by 20-some countries around the world, they all flew slightly different versions,” says Jeff Babione, the program leader of the F-35. “The F-35 provides a common platform from which they can fly and fight together.”
Babione says countries may ask for a change to equipment. For instance, Lockheed developed a drag chute for Norwegian F-35s so they could take off and land more safely on ice.
Japan’s defense minister says threats have become “increasingly severe,” and the F-35 will help in the nation’s defense.
Japan has ordered a total of 42 F-35s. The first four will be produced at Lockheed’s plant in Ft. Worth. Production will then move to a Mitsubishi plant in Japan.
(Copyright 2016 WBAP/KLIF News. All rights reserved)
