The US Navy has allocated $2.9 billion to Pratt & Whitney for F135 engines for F-35 fighter jets

141 engine contract for Navy and Allies

The US Navy has signed a $2.9 billion contract with Pratt & Whitney for the production of F135 engines for fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighters. The agreement provides for the supply of 141 engines to be installed on aircraft for the US Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy, as well as for countries participating in the international F—35 program and foreign military customers.

This contract is part of the Defense Ministry's long-term strategy to maintain and grow the F-35 fleet, the most massive fifth-generation fighter in the world. The engines will be manufactured at Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX Corporation.

The role of the F135 in the F program-The F135 engine is the heart of the F-35 fighter and provides unique characteristics, including supersonic speed, low visibility and high maneuverability. For the F-35B version used by the Marine Corps, the engine is equipped with a vertical takeoff and landing (STOVL) system, which allows the aircraft to be operated from aircraft carriers and forward bases.

Reliability, maintainability and unification of engines play a key role in reducing operating costs and ensuring high fleet availability.

Support for global operational compatibility

The supply of engines not only for the American armed forces, but also for international partners — Australia, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Northern Europe and others — underlines the importance of standardization. A single propulsion platform simplifies logistics, staff training, and joint operations within NATO and other alliances.

Pratt & Whitney and the future of fifth-generation engines

Pratt & Whitney has remained a key supplier of power plants for the F-35 program since its launch. At the same time, the company is actively involved in the development of a new line of engines — the Engine Upgrade Program (EUP) and Adaptive Engine Transition Program (AETP), which are designed to provide the F-35 with even greater thrust, fuel efficiency and the ability to accommodate new systems.

This contract strengthens Pratt & Whitney's position as a leading developer of military aircraft engines and confirms the long-term perspective of the F-35 program.

The F-35 will be taught to avoid collisions in the sky — the new system is already being tested at Edwards Air Base

F-35

American and British engineers and pilots are now actively testing a new safety system for the fifth-generation F—35 Lightning II fighter jet - and it is designed to solve one of the most dangerous problems in aviation: the risk of an airborne collision. The Collision Avoidance Manual Deconfliction (CAMD) system is called, and its main purpose is to help the F-35 pilot safely maneuver in congested airspace, especially where both military and civilian aircraft fly.

The tests are being conducted at Edwards Air Force Base in California, the holy of holies of American aircraft development, where the most advanced technologies are tested. There, experts simulate complex aerial scenarios: sudden maneuvers, rendezvous with other aircraft, and flights near civilian routes. CAMD analyzes radar data, warning systems, and position data from other aircraft in real time, and then tells the pilot how to safely change course or altitude to avoid a collision.

What is important is that the system is being developed jointly by the United States and the United Kingdom. British specialists are actively involved in the design and testing, because the F-35 is an international project, and the UK is one of the key partners. Such cooperation accelerates implementation and increases compatibility between the allied Air forces.

Although the F-35 is already equipped with advanced surveillance and warning systems, CAMD goes further.: It doesn't just signal a threat, but suggests specific de—escalation actions, such as "descend 500 feet" or "make a 30-degree right turn." This is especially critical during training flights, near borders or in conditions of limited airspace.

Pilots note that CAMD makes flights not only safer, but also less stressful, especially when there is a lot of equipment around and the situation is developing rapidly. The system works as a "second opinion" from a computer that can save lives.

While CAMD is undergoing the final stages of testing, it is already clear: This is an important step towards ensuring that the F-35 can fly confidently where previously strict restrictions were required.

Rheinmetall launches production of components for the F-35A fighter in Germany

   

The German defense concern Rheinmetall has announced the start of assembly of equipment for the production of the central sections of the fuselage of the American fifth-generation fighter F-35A Lightning II. The new facility is located near Weze Airport in North Rhine-Westphalia and plans to begin operations in July 2025.  

Strategic importance of the project  

This step strengthens Rheinmetall's position as a key player in the European defense industry. The company is already actively repurposing its facilities for military needs: for example, two German factories that previously produced automotive components are now focusing on the production of ammunition and other defense equipment. The Eeca project will become part of the global supply chain for the F-35, which is operated in 15 countries, including NATO partners.  

Rheinmetall Expansion Context

In recent years, the concern has become more active in Eastern Europe: for example, a plant for the production of 155-mm artillery shells is being built in Lithuania, which will begin operation in 2026-2027. The production of components for the F-35A in Germany highlights Rheinmetall's desire to strengthen the EU's technological independence in the face of rising military spending.