Image Courtesy: Wikimedia
The United States Department of Defense has finalized a $3.8 billion contract modification with Pratt & Whitney to produce additional F135 engines for the F-35 Lightning II. The agreement brings the total value of the production lots covered under the contract to approximately $6.6 billion.
The deal supports the Joint Strike Fighter program, which oversees the production and sustainment of F-35 aircraft across multiple branches of the US military and international partners. It includes engine deliveries for the US Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, as well as allied nations participating through cooperative agreements and foreign military sales, according to The Defense Post.
In addition to full-rate engine production, the contract covers initial spare parts, engine modules, and engineering support services. These provisions are intended to ensure operational readiness and maintain the global F-35 fleet, which continues to expand as more countries adopt the platform.
The F135 engine is an afterburning turbofan derived from the F119 engine used in the F-22 Raptor. It is designed to power all three variants of the F-35 and is capable of producing approximately 115,000 horsepower. This enables the aircraft to reach speeds of up to Mach 1.6, operate at altitudes of around 50,000 feet, and achieve a range of nearly 1,500 miles.
To date, more than 1,400 F135 engines have been delivered to around 20 allied nations. The program supports a broad industrial base, contributing to tens of thousands of jobs across the United States. Manufacturing activities are centered in Connecticut, with additional production and assembly taking place in multiple domestic and international locations.
The contract also reflects efforts to increase production capacity. Pratt & Whitney has expanded its manufacturing and supply chain operations, raising engine output by approximately 20 percent compared to earlier production cycles. These measures are aimed at meeting rising demand as the F-35 program continues to scale globally.
Oversight of the contract is managed by the Naval Air Systems Command, which is responsible for coordinating procurement and ensuring delivery timelines are met. Work under the agreement is expected to continue through March 2028.
The agreement underscores the ongoing investment in propulsion systems that support modern military aviation, as well as the long-term sustainment requirements of multinational defense programs.
