Connecticut, December 2 - In a landmark move bolstering U.S. military aviation prowess, RTX Corporation's Pratt & Whitney has secured a $1.6 billion contract from the U.S. Navy to deliver comprehensive sustainment support for the F135 engines powering the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jets. This undefinitized agreement, valued at up to $1.606 billion, underscores the critical role of Pratt & Whitney F135 engines in maintaining the readiness of one of the world's most advanced multirole combat aircraft. Awarded by the Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, Maryland, the deal extends through November 2026 and emphasizes Pratt & Whitney's unparalleled expertise in F-35 engine maintenance, ensuring seamless operations for both domestic and international fleets amid rising global defense demands.
The contract encompasses a wide array of essential services tailored to the F135 propulsion system's intricate requirements, including recurring sustainment support, program management, and financial oversight to optimize efficiency. Pratt & Whitney will spearhead propulsion integration, procure replenishment spare parts, and provide engineering and material management, all while updating Joint Technical Data and enhancing configuration protocols. Depot-level maintenance and repairs will occur at F-35 production sites and operational bases worldwide, complemented by software sustainment, security protocols, and specialized training for propulsion systems. This holistic approach not only addresses immediate operational needs but also fortifies the long-term reliability of the F135 engines, which deliver unmatched thrust and adaptability across the F-35A, F-35B, and F-35C variants.
Geographically diverse execution highlights the contract's global scope, with 40 percent of the work concentrated at Pratt & Whitney's East Hartford, Connecticut headquarters, a hub of aerospace innovation. Additional efforts will unfold in Oklahoma City (21 percent), Indianapolis (12 percent), and West Palm Beach (6 percent), alongside international sites in Windsor Locks, Connecticut (6 percent); Brekstad, Norway (4 percent); Leeuwarden, Netherlands (3 percent); Iwakuni, Japan (3 percent); Williamstown, Australia (2 percent); Cameri, Italy (1 percent); Marham, United Kingdom (1 percent); and Fort Worth, Texas (1 percent). This distribution leverages Pratt & Whitney's established network to minimize downtime and maximize interoperability for the F-35 program, which spans over 3,000 aircraft projected for global deployment.
As geopolitical tensions escalate, this Pratt & Whitney Navy contract reinforces America's aerial superiority and stimulates economic growth in the defense sector. By investing in F-35 engine sustainment, the U.S. ensures a technological edge and fosters job creation across multiple states and allied nations. Pratt & Whitney's track record, including recent multimillion-dollar F135 upgrades, positions it as a cornerstone of military aviation, driving innovation that safeguards national security while propelling the aerospace industry's future trajectory.
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