Pratt & Whitney Secures $1.6 Billion F135 Sustainment Contract to Enhance Global Military Readiness
On December 2, 2025, Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX, announced the awarding of a significant contract valued at $1.6 billion for the sustainment of F135 engines, which are critical for all three versions of the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet, renowned as the world's most advanced military aircraft. This undefinitized contract action will focus on vital sustainment activities needed to ensure continuous support and the operational readiness of the F-35 program.
The contract encompasses various key components essential to maintaining the F135 engines, including depot-level maintenance and repair processes, replenishment of spare parts, material management, engineering support, and software sustainment. Such comprehensive support is crucial not only for U.S. forces but also for international allies utilizing these sophisticated fighter jets.
Kinda Eastwood, Vice President of F135 Sustainment at Pratt & Whitney, emphasized the importance of this investment in sustaining global military readiness, stating, "Investing in F135 sustainment keeps allied forces ready to meet current and future threats." This contract is designed to ensure that operators everywhere rely on the performance and power of the F135 engines to fulfill their critical missions.
To uphold F-35 mission readiness, Pratt & Whitney has developed an extensive sustainment network that includes multiple depot facilities distributed globally, alongside supporting bases and naval vessels. Their strategy employs a wide-ranging infrastructure capable of delivering maintenance and logistics support across 39 bases and 12 ships worldwide. By uniting a vast cross-section of maintenance expertise, logistics capabilities, and technical support, Pratt & Whitney is dedicated to refining the F135 enterprise, thereby enhancing the agility and resilience of the F-35 program.
Since the inception of the F135 program, Pratt & Whitney has successfully delivered over 1,300 engines to global partners, including 20 allied nations. Looking forward, enhancements such as the F135 Engine Core Upgrade will further improve the sustainment network, providing partner nations with a proven, cost-effective infrastructure poised to support their military operations for years to come.
As a recognized leader in the aviation sector, Pratt & Whitney has maintained a commitment to innovation since its founding in 1925, delivering advanced technologies in aircraft propulsion and support. They currently oversee the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of more than 90,000 in-service engines globally.
Aligned with RTX’s position as the world’s largest aerospace and defense enterprise, this contract underscores their unwavering dedication to advancing the military capabilities of allied nations. With a diverse workforce of over 185,000 employees, RTX continues to break technological barriers and redefine possibilities across various defense and aerospace fields, generating sales exceeding $80 billion as of the year prior. By harnessing their collective capabilities among industry leaders like Collins Aerospace and Raytheon, RTX aims to meet the most pressing challenges faced by global customers today.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the $1.6 billion F135 sustainment contract awarded to Pratt & Whitney reflects a vital step in ensuring military readiness and operational efficacy for the F-35 Lightning II fleet. Through this strategic investment in sustainment and support, Pratt & Whitney is poised to maintain the performance and reliability of the F135 engines, which are integral to contemporary military missions. As geopolitical landscapes evolve, such initiatives will underpin the readiness of allies in face of emerging challenges.