Frankfurt — German defence giant Rheinmetall will cooperate with Lufthansa's technical division in the production and maintenance of the F-35 fighter jets, Business Insider reported.
The online news outlet reported that the partnership will be announced on September 19.
Both companies declined to comment on the report on Tuesday.
It was previously announced that, starting in 2025, Rheinmetall plans to produce central fuselage parts for US F-35 fighter aircraft in a new factory in the western town of Weeze, Germany.
It is part of Rheinmetall's ambitions to significantly expand its aviation technology division.
The production of the fuselage components for the ultra-modern combat aircraft represents a new product line. Up to 450 jobs are to be created in the new factory.
Rheinmetall is a contractor for the US defence company Northrop Grumman.
Lufthansa Technik has been servicing the aircraft of the German Air Force's Special Air Mission Wing for years and wants to become more involved in the defence business in future.
Well-known military projects in which Lufthansa Technik is already involved include the Boeing maritime reconnaissance aircraft Poseidon.
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