Israel Aerospace Industries has received two supplier awards from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, recognizing its performance in manufacturing critical components for the F-35 and F-16 fighter jet programs.

The awards honor IAI’s quality, delivery and operational performance during 2025. Senior Lockheed Martin representatives presented them to IAI executives at a ceremony at the Israeli company’s facilities.

IAI received the Mission Focused Award for its work producing F-16 wings, vertical fins and conformal fuel tanks, and the Ahead of Ready Award for its F-35 wings program.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics works with more than 1,400 active suppliers worldwide, with only a limited number selected for its annual awards. Suppliers must meet demanding standards for manufacturing quality, delivery schedules, operational performance and customer support.

IAI President and CEO Guy Bar Lev said the recognition reflects a partnership spanning nearly four decades.

“The partnership between IAI and Lockheed Martin spans nearly four decades and is built on mutual trust, technological cooperation and a shared commitment to supporting critical aerospace and defense programs,” Bar Lev said.

He added that the companies have worked together to meet changing operational needs and deliver advanced capabilities to customers worldwide.

Yaacov Berkovitz, executive vice president and general manager of IAI’s Aviation Group, said consistent quality, reliability and on-time delivery have been central to the relationship.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Vice President of Global Supply Chain Kyle Franklin praised IAI’s receipt of both awards, describing it as a testament to the professionalism, dedication and hard work of its team.

The companies have maintained a strategic partnership since the late 1980s, cooperating on aircraft structures for major aerospace and defense programs.

IAI has participated in the F-35 program since 2014, manufacturing wings at a dedicated assembly line. In February 2026, it delivered its 350th F-35 wing to Lockheed Martin.

The Israeli company has also supplied major F-16 components for more than 30 years. Those include wings, vertical fins and conformal fuel tanks, which carry additional fuel while fitting closely against the aircraft’s body. The fuel tank system was jointly developed by IAI and Lockheed Martin.

Beyond those fighter programs, IAI produces aircraft structures for commercial and military customers worldwide, including complex composite and metallic components.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)