RTX Division Lands $2.88B Navy Contract for F-35 Engines
Pratt & Whitney to produce 141 F135 propulsion systems, reinforcing its critical role in the global Joint Strike Fighter program.
RTX Corporation's Pratt & Whitney division has secured a significant $2.88 billion contract modification from the U.S. Navy to manufacture and deliver 141 F135 propulsion systems for the F-35 Lightning II aircraft. The award solidifies RTX's position as a cornerstone of the world's most advanced fighter jet program and ensures a steady production pipeline for its high-performance engines.
The agreement, announced by the Department of Defense, expands an existing contract to support the 18th production lot of the F-35. These engines are destined for a wide range of operators, including the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, as well as international program partners and Foreign Military Sales customers. The work is scheduled for completion by February 2028 and will be carried out across Pratt & Whitney's global network of facilities.
This contract comes as the F135 engine program achieves significant milestones, underscoring its maturity and reliability. Earlier this year, the F135 fleet surpassed one million flight hours, a testament to its safety and performance record across the 12 countries currently operating the F-35. This latest production order builds on that established reputation.
"This contract ensures the F-35 fleet, both domestic and allied, continues to be powered by a proven, capable, and reliable propulsion system," said a spokesperson for Pratt & Whitney. The F135 is the only engine currently powering the F-35, a single-engine, multirole fighter critical to modern air defense strategy.
Beyond the immediate production, Pratt & Whitney is actively developing the F135 Engine Core Upgrade (ECU). This modernization effort is designed to significantly enhance the engine's durability, power, and thermal management capabilities to meet the increased demands of the F-35's forthcoming Block 4 upgrades. The ECU is expected to generate substantial lifecycle cost savings for the global fleet while providing the necessary performance for future combat scenarios.
For RTX, this multi-billion-dollar award provides a stable revenue stream and highlights the enduring value of its defense portfolio. As global demand for the F-35 continues, the F135 engine program remains a key driver of growth and technological leadership for the industrial giant, supporting tens of thousands of jobs across the United States.