RTX F135 propulsion system contract supports F-35 Lot 20 production
RTX Corp. has been awarded a not to exceed $230.6 million F135 propulsion system contract to protect the F-35 Lot 20 engine delivery schedule, according to a U.S. Department of Defense contract announcement. The agreement funds long lead time materials and components needed to sustain production of 138 F135 engines for the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, international partners, and Foreign Military Sales customers.
The contract was issued by Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River, Maryland, and was not competitively awarded.
Contract scope and structure
The RTX F135 propulsion system contract is structured as a combination fixed price incentive, firm target, cost plus incentive fee, advanced acquisition, undefinitized contract. Its primary purpose is to secure critical materials, parts, and manufacturing efforts required to prevent schedule disruptions in the F-35 Lot 20 production cycle.
Long lead items are essential for the F135 engine due to its complex global supply chain, specialized materials, and extended manufacturing timelines. Funding these elements early helps stabilize production and reduce downstream risks as full-rate manufacturing ramps up.
The effort supports 138 propulsion systems across multiple customers, reflecting the multinational nature of the F-35 program and the shared reliance on the F135 engine as its sole powerplant.
Production locations across the United States
Work under the RTX F135 propulsion system contract will be performed across a broad U.S. industrial base, underscoring the engine program’s economic and strategic footprint.
Key workshare locations include:
East Hartford, Connecticut, 17 percent
Indianapolis, Indiana, 10 percent
Middletown, Connecticut, 8 percent
Kent, Washington, 7 percent
North Berwick, Maine, 4 percent
El Cajon, California, 3 percent
Cromwell, Connecticut, 3 percent
Whitehall, Michigan, 3 percent
Portland, Oregon, 2 percent
San Diego, California, 2 percent
South Bend, Indiana, 2 percent
Columbus, Georgia, 1 percent
Hampton, Virginia, 1 percent
Manchester, Connecticut, 1 percent
Cheshire, Connecticut, 1 percent
Elmwood Park, New Jersey, 1 percent
Various locations across the continental United States, 34 percentThe contract is scheduled for completion in May 2031.
Funding breakdown and fiscal details
Funding for the RTX F135 propulsion system contract comes from multiple sources tied to both U.S. and international F-35 procurement.
At the time of award, the following funds will be obligated:
$35.22 million from fiscal 2025 Air Force aircraft procurement funds
$26.63 million from fiscal 2025 Navy aircraft procurement funds
$42.68 million from non U.S. Department of Defense partner Navy funds
$126.03 million from Foreign Military Sales fundsNone of the obligated funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year, providing budget stability for the long lead procurement effort.
Importance of the F135 engine to the F-35 program
The Pratt and Whitney F135, produced by RTX, is the most powerful fighter engine currently in operational service. It powers all three variants of the F-35 Lightning II, including the conventional takeoff and landing F-35A, the short takeoff and vertical landing F-35B, and the carrier-capable F-35C.
Ensuring on-time delivery of F135 engines is critical to meeting aircraft production targets set by the U.S. services and international customers. Engine delays can cascade across final assembly lines, pilot training pipelines, and operational unit stand-ups.
The Lot 20 production phase comes as the F-35 program continues to recover from earlier supply chain disruptions and modernization challenges, making early investment in long lead items a priority for program managers.
Strategic implications for allies and partners
A significant portion of the contract funding is tied to non U.S. Department of Defense partners and Foreign Military Sales customers. This reflects continued demand for the F-35 among allied air forces and the importance of maintaining a predictable delivery schedule.
Stable F135 engine production supports partner confidence in the F-35 enterprise and helps align multinational fleet growth with shared training, sustainment, and operational planning efforts.
By securing long lead materials now, the U.S. Navy and its partners aim to reduce risk as international F-35 fleets expand through the late 2020s and early 2030s.
Oversight and contracting authority
Naval Air Systems Command is the contracting activity for the RTX F135 propulsion system contract. NAVAIR manages naval aviation acquisition programs and plays a central role in coordinating engine procurement for both Navy and Marine Corps F-35 variants, while also supporting joint and international stakeholders.
The contract is identified under reference number N0001926C0118.
