What's Happening?
The U.S. Navy has awarded Pratt & Whitney a contract modification valued at nearly $2.9 billion to produce 141 F135 engines for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. These engines will be distributed among the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, partner nations, and foreign military customers involved in the F-35 program. The production is scheduled to be completed by February 2028, with work taking place across several Pratt facilities in Connecticut, Indiana, Washington, Maine, and other locations. This contract is part of the 18th lot of F-35 fighters being constructed by Lockheed Martin, which received a separate contract worth up to $11.8 billion in December 2024 to deliver 145 Lot 18 F-35s by June 2027.
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Why It's Important?
The contract signifies a substantial investment in the F-35 program, which is a critical component of U.S. military air capabilities. The funding allocation includes contributions from the Navy, Air Force, foreign military customers, and non-U.S. participants, highlighting the international collaboration involved in the program. The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is pivotal for maintaining air superiority and enhancing defense capabilities. The contract also supports the U.S. defense industry, particularly Pratt & Whitney and Lockheed Martin, ensuring continued employment and technological advancement within the sector.
What's Next?
Pratt & Whitney will focus on meeting the production deadline of February 2028, while Lockheed Martin continues its work on delivering the Lot 18 F-35s by June 2027. Boeing, another key player, has received a $315 million contract to repair landing gears for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter aircraft, with work expected to be completed by September 2029. These contracts will likely lead to further developments in military aviation technology and potential future contracts as the U.S. military continues to modernize its fleet.
