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.
