Netherlands-based Fokker Aerostructures has signed two contracts for F-35 work with Lockheed Martin [LMT] and Northrop Grumman [NOC], collectively valued at approximately $78 million.
The two contracts are for the delivery of innovative composite structures including flaperons, outer leading edge flaps and in-flight opening doors for the next batch of 73 F-35 aircraft.
The order will guarantee work at the Fokker Hoogeveen site up to 2016.
Hans Büthker, COO of Fokker Technologies and president of Fokker Aerostructures, said that “after 50 F-35 aircraft have been delivered and over 80 F-35s aircraft currently in production, it’s encouraging to see that Fokker has once more been selected to deliver innovative products for the next batch of 73 aircraft. With a total estimated production of more than 3,000 F-35 aircraft, this is a major opportunity for our company in the decades to come in terms of employment and participation in the most technologically advanced aircraft program, including proven spill-over effects in our commercial aerospace activities.”