The engine manufacturer reports significant global customer interest in its $1.3 billion Engine Core Upgrade program aimed at extending F-35 engine life while boosting performance
Highlights
- Pratt & Whitney reports strong international interest in its $1.3 billion F135 Engine Core Upgrade program for F-35 fighters.
- The upgrade restores engine life and adds thrust while addressing increased power demands from advanced weapons and sensors.
- Regional maintenance capabilities in Asia-Pacific are expanding, with Australia and Japan operating F-35 depots.
Pratt & Whitney is seeing substantial international interest in its planned F135 Engine Core Upgrade (ECU) program as F-35 fighter jets demand more power for advanced weapons and sensors.
“It’s the necessary upgrade to the engine that matches upgrades that have taken place with the aircraft and the airframe,” said Steve Shepro, vice-president of Integrated Customer Solutions Military Engines at Pratt & Whitney during the Avalon air show near Melbourne.
The F135 engine serves as the exclusive powerplant for the Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter, a cornerstone aircraft for the U.S. military that’s also operated by key Asia-Pacific allies including Australia, Japan, and South Korea.
According to Shepro, the fighter’s rapidly advancing sensors and weapons systems have created an increasing need for electrical power, placing greater strain on the engine and necessitating more frequent overhauls.
“The first thing the ECU does is really restore the full life of the engine,” Shepro explained. “It’s a good engine and so robust that you can run it hotter and hotter with each aircraft upgraded, but what that does of course is cut into your life cycle. This [upgrade] restores that life cycle and adds increased thrust.”
Both the U.S. military and international operators have shown enthusiasm for the program. The alternativeβdeveloping a completely new engineβwould be cost prohibitive. Last year, rival GE Aerospace unsuccessfully pushed for the Pentagon to replace the F135 with a new adaptive cycle powerplant for the F-35.
In September 2024, Pratt & Whitney secured a $1.3 billion contract from the U.S. Department of Defense to continue development work on the ECU. The company is targeting a 2029 service entry date for the improved engine core, which will be compatible with all three F-35 variants.
Shepro also highlighted the growing interest from the U.S. military in providing maintenance for equipment closer to potential conflict zones. In the Asia-Pacific region, significant F-35 maintenance infrastructure already exists.
“What’s important is that Australia has a regional MRO capability, so they can also work with international partners in the region,” said Shepro. “It just depends on what kinds of work is needed, depending on where work is done. Some depot work is back in the states, some could be done locally.”
Australia currently operates a fleet of 72 conventional take-off and landing F-35As. Both Australia and Japan maintain F-35 depots, while South Korea is working to develop one.
