NAVAIR awards annual F-35 engine sustainment contract
A Pratt & Whitney F135 engine underwent accelerated mission testing in November 2021. (Photo: USAF/Jill Pickett)
Raytheon is sustaining the F135 engine and will also provide common F-35 programme support activities under a new contract modification.
Raytheon has obtained a $408.4 million contract modification from Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) for annual sustainment of the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine that powers the Lockheed Martin F-35A, F-35B and F-35C multirole fighter aircraft.
The modification also covers support for common F-35 programme activities, ‘unique and common base recurring sustainment, repair of repairables, field service representatives, as well as common replenishment of spares’, the DoD announced on 26 May.
Work is expected to be completed in November 2022 on behalf of several US operators of the F-35 (the USAF, USMC, USN and Air National Guard) plus FMS customers.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the F-135 delivers more than 40,000lb of thrust and is one of the most advanced engines in the world.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Defence Notes
-
![Europe turns to industrial and procurement co-operation with Ukraine as supplies continue]()
Europe turns to industrial and procurement co-operation with Ukraine as supplies continue
Equipment has continued to flow into Ukraine from the European Union (EU), NATO and western countries as the war against Russia continues but other types of support with longer-term prospects are appearing.
-
![UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost]()
UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost
The UK’s National Security Strategy brings together the recently released Strategic Defence Review (SDR), Strategic Security Review, AUKUS Review and Industrial and Trade Strategies. At the same time, the UK made a commitment to reach defence spending of 5% of GDP by 2035 and Germany committed to 3.5% by 2029.
-
![Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide]()
Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide
The House Committee on Appropriations approved a FY2026 bill reducing investments in main defence programmes.
-
![What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow]()
What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
-
![Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme]()
Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
-
![Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans]()
Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans
While industry reception to the SDR has been positive, questions still remain from analyst and trade associations about what this could mean for future investment and the future UK Defence Industrial Strategy.
