US' defence giant hits big milestone, delivers crucial F-35 fighter jet part every 30 hours

In a major achievement for global defence manufacturing, Northrop Grumman, a leading American defence company, has announced that it is now delivering a key part of the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet every 30 hours at its factory in Palmdale, California.

This is not just a technical milestone — it reflects how fast, efficient, and advanced the defence production systems of the United States have become. And for a country like India, which is currently developing its own next-gen fighter jets like AMCA, this achievement holds special relevance.

What Part is Being Made So Fast?

Northrop Grumman is now producing the centre fuselage of the F-35 fighter jet every 30 hours. The centre fuselage is the middle portion of the aircraft, where the pilot sits, and where most of the jet’s core systems and weapons are placed.

Think of it as the backbone or heart of the aircraft — without it, there is no structure to hold the wings, cockpit, or equipment together.

What is the F-35 Lightning II?

The F-35 Lightning II is widely considered the most advanced fifth-generation multirole fighter jet in the world. It is built by a team of American companies including Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and BAE Systems.

It is used by the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, along with several allied countries like the UK, Japan, Australia, and more.

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What Makes the F-35 So Special?

Here’s what sets the F-35 apart:

Stealth Technology – It can fly undetected by enemy radar.

Multirole Capability – One jet that can handle air-to-air combat, ground strikes, and surveillance.

Advanced Radar and Sensors – Helps the pilot see more, earlier.

High Speed and Maneuverability – Gives an edge in dogfights and combat.

Smart Computers and Software – Supports mission planning and execution in real time.

3 Variants – Designed for Air Force (F-35A), Navy (F-35C), and Marines (F-35B with vertical landing capability).

Northrop Grumman’s Role in the F-35 Program.

Northrop Grumman plays a critical role in the F-35 program. They don’t build the entire jet but are responsible for some of its most sensitive and high-tech components.

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Here’s what Northrop Grumman contributes:

 Centre Fuselage – The core body structure of the aircraft.

AN/APG-81 Radar – A powerful active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar that can detect enemy aircraft and threats.

 Communication Systems – Ensures pilots stay connected with command and other aircraft.

 EODAS (Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System) – A 360-degree camera system that gives the pilot full situational awareness.