Boost in F-35 engine production with $2.8 billion investment from Pratt & Whitney
Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX, has been awarded a significant contract worth $2.8 billion to manufacture Lot 18 of the F135 engines for the F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft. This contract, which was signed by Lockheed Martin in 2020, covers the production of engines for the conventional take-off and landing (CTOL), carrier variant (CV), and short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) models of the aircraft.
The F135 engine is the power source for all three variants of the F-35 Lightning II, one of the most advanced and widely deployed fighter aircraft in the world. Pratt & Whitney has delivered more than 1,300 F135 production engines to a global enterprise involving 20 allied nations, underscoring its strategic importance in sustaining advanced air power capabilities for both the United States and its allied partners.
Christopher K. Johnson, Vice President of the F-135 programme at Pratt & Whitney, stated that the engine delivers "power, safety, reliability, and low observability" to operators. The engine's battlefield performance has been highlighted, with its low observable radar cross-section and reduced acoustic signature contributing to the aircraft's stealth capabilities.
The F135 programme relies on a network of 240 suppliers across the United States, contributing more than US$9.1 billion to the U.S. economy in 2024 alone. The programme also supports over 67,000 domestic jobs, making it a significant contributor to the U.S. defence industrial base.
The funding for the contract also provides for spare engines, replacement modules, engineering and tooling support, programme management, and broader production assistance. Johnson further emphasized that the engine is an investment in mission assurance, ensuring technological advantage for war fighters in critical missions.
The contract reaffirms Pratt & Whitney's role in underpinning U.S. and allied air superiority for decades to come. The F135 engine's production is not just militarily important, but it also has an extensive economic impact. The contract is an un-definitised contract action (UCA), reflecting the ongoing commitment to the F135 programme and the F-35 Lightning II aircraft.
In conclusion, the production of Lot 18 of the F135 engines is a significant step forward for the F-35 Lightning II programme. The engine's battlefield performance, strategic importance, and economic impact make it a crucial component of the U.S. defence industrial base and a key factor in maintaining air superiority for the United States and its allied partners.
