Pratt & Whitney Lands Big $1.6 Billion Deal for F-35 Jet Engines

Pratt & Whitney, an RTX company, won a major $1.6 billion contract from the Pentagon for the long term support of the F135 engine. The F135 engine powers all versions of the F35 Lightning II, the world’s most advanced fighter jet. This large contract ensures the F35 fleet stays ready for the US military and its international allies. The agreement lasts until November 2026, covering many jobs needed to run the F35 program smoothly worldwide. Sustainment work includes major maintenance and repair work on engine parts. It also involves supplying spare parts globally. They will manage materials and oversee the entire engine logistics system.

The contract provides technical and software help for the US and other countries. Kinda Eastwood, vice president of F135 Sustainment at Pratt & Whitney, said the award is crucial. F35 operators everywhere rely on the F135 for their mission power. This deal helps keep military pilots’ readiness rates high. The massive maintenance effort uses a worldwide network supporting 39 military bases and 12 ships. In the US, the contract protects thousands of high skill jobs, especially in Connecticut. About 40 percent of the work happens at the East Hartford plant. Other work is done in Windsor Locks and Oklahoma City. The contract also supports international cooperation. It funds major maintenance centers in countries like Japan, Norway, and the Netherlands. Centers also operate in Italy, the UK, and Australia.

Pratt & Whitney has delivered over 1,300 F135 engines to 20 allied nations. This new support deal advances the F135 Engine Core Upgrade (ECU) program. The ECU is designed to improve the F35 engine. This upgrade handles the extra power required for the jet’s Block 4 capabilities. Pratt & Whitney will use its existing global network to easily add the ECU to the fleet. This ensures affordable support and high readiness for decades.