The Pentagon has awarded Pratt & Whitney a $3.8 billion contract to build more F135 engines for F-35 fighter jets.
The deal supports the global fleet of fifth-generation aircraft. It ensures the US military and allied nations have spare engines and technical support.
The contract is part of the Joint Strike Fighter program. Pratt & Whitney is a segment of RTX, a major US defense company. The award modifies existing deals for engine production Lots 18 and 19, raising the total value for both batches to $6.6 billion.
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The F-35 is the world’s most advanced combat jet, but its engines face high demand. More than 1,400 F135 engines are already in service with 20 allied nations. The military needs a steady supply of new engines, spare parts, and maintenance to keep jets flying.
The F135 is an afterburning turbofan engine based on the F119 that powers the F-22 Raptor. It measures 220 inches long and weighs up to 1,770 kilograms. The engine produces about 115,000 horsepower, allowing the F-35 to reach Mach 1.6.
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Pratt & Whitney will do most of the work in Connecticut. Other activities will happen in several US states and overseas locations. The company will deliver engines, spares, modules, engineering services, and technical assistance. The contract runs through March 2028.
The F-35 can fly at 50,000 feet and has a range of over 1,300 nautical miles. The F135 engine supports all three F-35 variants. The program generated over $9 billion for the US economy in 2025 and supports more than 66,000 jobs.
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One limitation is the engine’s complexity and cost. Building and maintaining the F135 requires a massive supply chain. Any disruption can delay deliveries. Also, the contract covers only existing engine production, not future upgrades such as the adaptive engine replacement program.
This matters because the F-35 is the backbone of US and allied air power. Reliable engines keep jets mission-ready. As Jill Albertelli, president of military engines at Pratt & Whitney, said, the F135 delivers unmatched thrust and readiness. Investing now ensures growing global demand is met through 2028 and beyond.
