Montana Aerospace, a leading, highly-vertically integrated manufacturer and supplier of system components and complex assemblies for the aerospace industry, announced that its division Asco Industries in Belgium is extending its long-standing collaboration with Lockheed Martin within the existing framework of the F-35 program.
This extended partnership includes the intent to award strategic production for the supply from Belgium of highly complex, structural metal components for the F-35 Lightning II, and builds on nearly two decades of cooperation, representing a significant continuation of Montana Aerospace’s contribution to the world’s most advanced fighter aircraft.
This effort reinforces Montana Aerospace’s position as a trusted international partner and underscores its commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainable growth in aerospace manufacturing.
Driving Growth, Resilience, and Technological Excellence
By extending their collaboration, Montana Aerospace division Asco and Lockheed Martin aim to further strengthen the foundation for resilient industrial growth and technological advancement across the global aerospace supply chain.
“We are a proud partner of Lockheed Martin, supporting the F-35 program for nearly two decades”, says Jérôme Morhet, CEO of Asco. “This latest extension in Belgium confirms the importance of our cooperation in one of the most important defense programs.”
The signing of the extension took place during the Belgian Economic Mission to the United States of America in the presence of Belgian Minister of Defense Theo Francken, who says: „This agreement between Asco and Lockheed Martin underscores the strength and expertise of Belgium’s defense industry. By contributing critical components for the F-35, Belgian companies like Asco help secure high-tech jobs and deepen our international partnership with the US and allied F-35-operators.“
With this renewed commitment, Montana Aerospace and Lockheed Martin emphasize their shared vision: contributing to the development of cutting-edge aerospace technology and strengthening the allied defense industrial base.
About Montana Aerospace AG
Montana Aerospace AG is a globally active industrial group specializing in the development and production of system components and complex assemblies for the aerospace industry. All products and solutions are based on decades of expertise and are used wherever the highest standards of quality, durability, and reliability are required. At 16 locations across Europe, North America, and Asia, around 6,200 highly qualified employees work on developing innovative technologies for the aerospace of tomorrow—using aluminum, titanium, steel, and composite materials.
As a true one-stop shop, Montana Aerospace provides integrated solutions across the entire value chain—from the development of proprietary alloys in its casthouses through extrusion, machining, surface treatment, and pre-assembly—offering customers comprehensive, end-to-end support with shorter lead times, reduced procurement complexity, and greater flexibility.
In 2024, the company generated revenues of approximately €1.5 billion (including the energy and e-mobility segment).
About Asco Industries (Asco)
Asco is a global leader in the design, manufacturing, and assembly of high-lift mechanisms, complex structural assemblies, and mission-critical components for the commercial and military aviation industry. As a division of Montana Aerospace AG, Asco offers OEMs and Tier-1 customers a one-stop-shop approach for highly precise, ready-to-install aerospace solutions. With approximately 1,100 employees at locations in Belgium, Germany, the USA, and Canada, Asco supplies leading programs from Airbus, Boeing, Embraer, Bombardier, and Gulfstream, as well as defense projects such as FCAS. Efficient, sustainable manufacturing and continuous innovation drive the company’s future success.
