# EXIM Engages Fort Worth Aerospace Manufacturers

On October 9, 2026, EXIM Chairman John Jovanovic visited Lockheed Martin Aeronautics’ F-35 assembly facility in Fort Worth as part of the bank’s Factory Floor Fridays initiative, meeting with industry leaders about export financing, advanced manufacturing, resilient supply chains, and access to critical minerals. The visit announced no solicitation, contract award, funding amount, or procurement deadline; it highlighted EXIM consultations as a potential resource for U.S. exporters discussing available financing.

- U.S. aerospace manufacturers and exporters can request an EXIM consultation to discuss financing options; the signal does not identify specific terms or an open funding opportunity.
- The discussion connects export finance with manufacturing supply-chain resilience and critical-mineral access, factors relevant to companies supporting defense aviation production.
- Lockheed Martin and other aerospace suppliers may find the visit useful context for EXIM’s stated focus, but no new contract or procurement requirement was announced.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** October 10, 2026

### Government Entities
- Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM)

### Vendors
- Lockheed Martin ()

### Key Quotes
> U.S. EXIM is focused on ensuring our advanced manufacturing supply chains are secure, and it all starts with mining. Lockheed Martin continues to support America’s mines through strong partnerships. You can’t build the warplane of the future without the critical minerals used to power them. We’re proud to work with them to strengthen supply chains, revitalize manufacturing, and keep future generations of Americans safe.
> — John Jovanovic, Chairman of EXIM

### Sources
- [Factory Floor Fridays: Chairman Jovanovic Tours Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Talks with Industry Leaders on Future of U.S. Aviation | EXIM.GOV](https://www.exim.gov/news/factory-floor-fridays-chairman-jovanovic-tours-lockheed-martin-aeronautics-talks-industry) - EXIM