BAE Systems has delivered the 1,000th rear body of an F-35, the world's most advanced and capable fifth-generation fighter.

The aerospace engineering giant has provided Lockheed Martin with the 1000th rear fuelsage for the F-35 aircraft.

More than 1,500 employees at the Company’s facilities in Samlesbury, Lancashire, produce the rear fuselage for every F-35 in the global fleet. The first fuselage was delivered to Lockheed Martin in 2005.

At an event celebrating the 1,000th delivery, the group managing director of BAE Systems’ Air Sector, Cliff Robson said: “This is a significant moment for everyone involved in the programme and a testament to the highly-skilled workforce we have in the North West of England.

Lancashire Telegraph: Workers at BAE Systems in Samlesbury, Lancashire, with a section of the rear fuselage for the F-35 Lightning II.Workers at BAE Systems in Samlesbury, Lancashire, with a section of the rear fuselage for the F-35 Lightning II. (Image: BAE Systems)

“Our role on the F-35 programme is another example of how we make a substantial contribution to the local and national UK economy and help to deliver capability which is critical for national security.”

Lockheed Martin Vice President and General Manager of the F-35 programme, Bridget Lauderdale said: “The F-35 programme powers economic growth and prosperity for the UK injecting approximately £41billion into the UK economy and supporting more than 20,000 jobs in the UK supply chain, many of those based in the North West.

“With more than 500 companies in our UK supply chain, we’re proud of the role that our partnership with BAE Systems has in delivering the world’s most advanced aircraft for the UK and 17 other allied nations.”

BAE Systems has been involved in the F-35 programme since its inception and plays key roles across the development, manufacture and sustainment of the aircraft, which is operated by the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and air forces across the world.

The F-35s global programme of record amounts to more than 3,000 F-35s amongst the programme’s 17 customers. Work on the programme will continue at BAE Systems’ advanced manufacturing hub at Samlesbury for many years to come.