Updated: Pratt & Whitney's F-35 engine upgrade gets another boost
Lot 14 F-35s are being delivered for just under $80 million in 2023. (Photo: USAF)
The extra money for Pratt & Whitney's F-35 Core Engine Upgrade programme reinforces its position as the preferred solution for advanced Block 4 capabilities. The impact on the future price of the fighter remains uncertain, but Lockheed Martin is confident in maintaining or potentially lowering costs going forward.
This story was updated on 31 July to include details of the bill passed by the US Senate on 27 July.
The F-35 Engine Core Upgrade (ECU) programme is the fastest, most cost-effective and lowest-risk approach to Block 4 capability that will allow global F-35 partners to continue to enjoy the benefits of interoperability and sustainment, a Pratt & Whitney official has told Shephard.
In early July, Pratt & Whitney was awarded a $66 million contract modification for the continued F135 ECU preliminary design efforts, bringing the value of the effort to $180 million.
Additionally, on 27 July, the US Senate Appropriations
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