International participation in F-35 program

The F-35 is building a 21st century fighter from the ground up. Sustainability is a key element of the program, which is based on a global supply chain. By building a global fleet of F-35s, the U.S. and its allies will be able to operate globally in a very different way. With a global supply chain, parts and availability are enhanced, and support diversified. The global supply chain is a key element of both how to manufacture the aircraft and how to supply the aircraft as operations rolls out. In modern manufacturing, sustainability is a core element of shaping the core capability of a modern combat aircraft. Briefing slides and simulations are not the same thing as a finished good of high quality and of high reliability. Here you need a trained workforce, good engineering practices and an ability to deliver a product of high quality and standards. It is challenging to build new systems and not every manufacturer is created equal. A core element of today’s manufacturing systems is the challenge of managing extended supply chains. And these supply chains are subject to disruptions and the need to manage those disruptions. Lire moins