Northrop Grumman has begun building the centre fuselage for the first international F-35 joint strike fighter meant for the UK.

The fighter, an F-35B short take-off, vertical landing (STOVL) variant designated BK-1, underwent the first stage of the assembly process with the loading of an all-composite air inlet duct into a special tooling structure called a jig.

The stage will be followed by 18 major steps for assembling the centre fuselage ,which consists of attaching metal frames around the duct.

The frames serve to brace and position the duct properly within the centre fuselage.

Northrop, a part of the F-35 industry team, is designing and developing the centre fuselages for all three variants of F-35 aircraft, apart from radar and other key avionics, mission systems and mission-planning software.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Airforce Technology Excellence Awards - Have you nominated?

Nominations are now open for the prestigious Airforce Technology Excellence Awards - one of the industry's most recognised programmes celebrating innovation, leadership, and impact. This is your chance to showcase your achievements, highlight industry advancements, and gain global recognition. Don't miss the opportunity to be honoured among the best - submit your nomination today!

Nominate Now