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Tuesday, November 10, 2026Local news for Cook County, Illinois.
Cook County Chronicle · 17 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60603
Business · Israel and Gaza

IAI wins $40 million in work after Lockheed Martin awards two 2025 supplier distinctions

The Israeli firm received recognition for its role in producing wings for F-16 and F-35 fighter jets.

By Andrew Hayes ·

Illustration for: IAI wins $40 million in work after Lockheed Martin awards two 2025 supplier distinctions
Illustration generated for this article, not a news photograph.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) secured two supplier awards from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in mid-October 2026. The recognition covers the company's performance as a supplier throughout the 2025 calendar year.

IAI earned the Mission Focused Award for its work on F-16 Wings, Vertical Fin, and Conformal Fuel Tank programs. It also received the Ahead of Ready Award for its F-35 Wings program. These awards acknowledge specific contributions to major military aircraft lines.

The company has manufactured wings for F-35 jets since 2014. IAI has delivered more than 350 of these components to date. For the F-16, the firm supplies major aerostructures including wings, vertical fins, and conformal fuel tanks. Lockheed Martin and IAI co-developed the conformal fuel tank.

Lockheed Martin uses its annual Supplier Award program to recognize partners that meet standards for quality, delivery, and customer support. IAI cited these standards in a statement explaining the dual recognition. Receiving awards in two separate categories serves as a formal acknowledgment of performance on both fighter jet programs.

Yaacov Berkovitz, EVP and GM of IAI’s Aviation Group, said the companies have worked side by side for years. He noted that their teams have delivered quality and value with on-time performance. Berkovitz stated that this shared commitment helps meet demanding requirements and supports program success.

Guy Bar Levy, IAI President and CEO, described the partnership as spanning nearly four decades. He said the relationship is built on mutual trust and technological cooperation. Bar Levy noted that the two companies have worked together to deliver advanced capabilities to customers worldwide.

Kyle Franklin, Vice President of Lockheed Martin's Global Supply Chain, called the dual recognition an outstanding achievement. He described it as a fitting reflection of the hard work and dedication of IAI's professional team.

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