The Pentagon is preparing to sign a major agreement with Pratt & Whitney to address ongoing engine problems in the F-35 fighter jet fleet. The upgrade program focuses primarily on resolving overheating issues in the F135 engine, which has raised concerns about the aircraft’s long-term reliability. Pratt & Whitney has been selected as the sole provider for this effort, with the company expected to complete its preliminary design phase next month and deliver the upgraded engines by 2029.

This decision comes despite competing proposals from General Electric (GE), which had offered alternative solutions to modernize the F-35’s propulsion system. Ultimately, the Pentagon opted for Pratt & Whitney, citing operational requirements and integration benefits. The F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) will award multiple follow-on contracts to Pratt & Whitney, covering core engine upgrades, prototype production, testing, and developmental hardware for all F-35 variants. These steps aim to mature the design, validate performance, and ensure full integration with upcoming Block 4 capabilities.

Jen Latka, Vice President of the F135 Program at Pratt & Whitney, confirmed that over 600 employees are dedicated to the project, emphasizing that the company is fully committed to equipping F-35 operators with enhanced capabilities starting in 2029. The Pentagon’s move follows remarks from Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall earlier this year, in which he stated that the Air Force would pursue an engine upgrade rather than a brand-new adaptive engine. This decision was strongly influenced by the unique requirements of the F-35B variant, which relies on a large lift fan for short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) operations.

While Pratt & Whitney has secured this critical contract, competition with GE is not entirely over. Both companies continue to advance technologies developed under the Adaptive Engine Transition Program (AETP). Still, this announcement is widely viewed as a significant setback for GE’s efforts to push its adaptive engine solution into the F-35 program.