Update: Coronavirus concerns hit F-35's Japan, Italy facilities

Coronavirus (Covid-19) concerns have paused Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) work at the programme’s Japan facility, but has not affected production.

Lockheed Martin will close its F-35 final assembly and checkout (FACO) facility in Nagoya, Japan, from 9–13 March due to the coronavirus, company spokesman Brett Ashworth said on 5 March. Ashworth said a pause can be absorbed within existing Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Lockheed Martin schedule margins with no issues regarding Lockheed Martin contract delivery dates. Lockheed Martin and MHI jointly operate the Nagoya FACO facility.

The F-35 programme will pause work at its Nagoya, Japan, FACO facility on 9-13 March 2020 due to coronavirus concerns. (US Air Force)

Lieutenant General Eric Fick, F-35 programme executive officer (PEO), said on 4 March that he anticipates resumption after the week’s pause. Lt Gen Fick added that he does not anticipate any other disruption to the supply chain and that the Joint Program Office (JPO) is not taking any deliberate steps to actively curtail any ripple effects due to the coronavirus that may further go through the F-35 supply chain. Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Michael Andrews said on 5 March that the Department of Defense (DoD) has not seen any slowdown regarding production, delivery, or readiness of the F-35 fleet due to coronavirus concerns.

The F-35 programme has a FACO facility in Italy, but this location has not had work impacted by coronavirus concerns. Ashworth said that Lockheed Martin employees at its Cameri, Italy, FACO are still reporting to work but that employees who potentially have the virus have been directed to work in self-quarantine. Lt Col Andrews said that Lockheed Martin is restricting company travel to Cameri.