Pratt & Whitney has secured a $3.8 billion contract from the US Department of Defense to manufacture F135 engines for the F-35 Lightning II, reinforcing its role in supporting the world’s leading fifth-generation fighter program. The contract, part of the Joint Strike Fighter initiative, includes production for Lot 18 engines and additional work tied to Lot 19, pushing the total value of related propulsion contracts to $6.6 billion.
The agreement covers engine supply for US military branches as well as allied nations and foreign military sales customers. Beyond engine production, the scope includes delivery of spare components, engineering services, and technical support to maintain fleet readiness and ensure uninterrupted global sustainment.
Manufacturing will be centered in Connecticut, with supplementary work distributed across various domestic and international sites. The contract is expected to run through March 2028, with program oversight handled by Naval Air Systems Command.
The F135 engine, evolved from the F119 that powers the F-22, is an advanced afterburning turbofan used across all F-35 variants. It produces roughly 115,000 horsepower, enabling high-speed performance up to Mach 1.6, a service ceiling of 50,000 feet, and extended operational range. With more than 1,400 engines delivered to fleets in over 20 countries, the program continues to underpin global F-35 operations while supporting a vast industrial and employment network across the United States.
