Machine Shops for F-35 Lightning II
Find AS9100 & ITAR certified machine shops qualified to supply components for the F-35 program.
Prime Contractor
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
Production Location
Fort Worth, TX
Status
Full-rate production at 156 aircraft/year
Required Certs
AS9100D, ITAR
Program Overview
The F-35 Lightning II is the world's most advanced multi-role stealth fighter, with three variants (A, B, C) serving the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marines, and allied nations. With over 1,000 aircraft delivered and production continuing through 2044, this is the largest military aircraft program in history.
Key Partners
- Northrop Grumman (center fuselage)
- BAE Systems (aft fuselage)
- Pratt & Whitney (F135 engine)
Additional Prime Contractors
Machined Component Categories
Airframe Structures
Titanium bulkheads, wing spars, aluminum skin panels, and structural frames
Landing Gear
Main landing gear struts, wheel assemblies, and actuation components
Weapons Bay
Internal weapons bay doors, racks, and structural fittings
Actuators & Mechanisms
Flight control actuators, door mechanisms, and precision hardware
Primary Materials
Required Certifications
Preferred:
Special Requirements
- Low Observability (LO) handling procedures
- Classified component handling capability
- JIT delivery to Fort Worth facility
How to Become a F-35 Supplier
- 1
Obtain Required Certifications
AS9100D certification and ITAR registration are mandatory before pursuing program work.
- 2
Register in Supplier Portal
Register through Lockheed Martin Aeronautics's supplier portal and relevant procurement networks (e.g., Exostar).
Visit supplier portal - 3
Respond to RFQs
Monitor procurement opportunities and submit competitive quotes that demonstrate your capabilities and capacity.
- 4
Complete Qualification
Pass supplier qualification audits and first article inspections before receiving production orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What certifications are required to supply F-35 components?
AS9100D certification and ITAR registration are mandatory for all F-35 suppliers. NADCAP certification is required for special processes. CMMC Level 2 certification is increasingly required for cybersecurity compliance.
What materials are machined for the F-35?
Primary materials include titanium alloys (Ti-6Al-4V, Ti-5Al-5V-5Mo-3Cr), high-strength aluminum (7075, 7050), and specialty steels (300M, Custom 465). Composite materials are also extensively used but machining is limited.
How do I become an F-35 supplier?
Start by obtaining AS9100D certification and ITAR registration. Register in the Lockheed Martin supplier portal and the Exostar network. Respond to RFQs and complete the supplier qualification audit process.
Need F-35 Suppliers?
Get matched with qualified machine shops that meet program requirements.
Get Personalized MatchesProgram Requirements
- Certifications
- 3 required
- Materials
- 6 types
- Component Categories
- 4
Related Lockheed Programs
Prime Contractor
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
View supplier requirements