Overview
- Naval Air Systems Command issued a $3.81 billion modification Monday that definitizes Lot 18 F135 engine production and starts Lot 19 procurement, bringing total Lot 18–19 engine funding to about $6.6 billion.
- The award covers propulsion for the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, partner nations and foreign military sales, with roughly $1.46–$1.47 billion tied to FMS and funding drawn from fiscal years 2024 and 2025.
- Work will run through March 2028 across U.S. sites led by East Hartford, Connecticut, with additional production in Indiana, Washington, Maine, California, Michigan, Oregon, Georgia, Virginia and New Jersey.
- Program officials expect roughly 140 production engines in Lot 18 and about 150 in Lot 19, aligning with 296 F-35 airframes under contract for 2026–2027 deliveries.
- RTX says more than $1 billion in factory upgrades lifted F135 output by about 20%, yet near-term jets face integration shortfalls including ballast in place of the new APG-85 radar, Technology Refresh 3 software delays that limit combat use, and an Engine Core Upgrade not slated for production until at least 2031.