The F135 Engine Core Upgrade (ECU) for the Pratt & Whitney production F-35 Lightning II has received $75 million in additional funding in the fiscal year 2023 budget appropriation bill, confirming Congressional support for the engine’s modernization.

Jennifer Latka, Vice President of Pratt & Whitney F135 Programs, said: “If services and our allies want F-35s with Block 4 before the end of the decade, the engine needs a core upgrade. Thanks to our support from Congress and the leadership of President DeLauro, the upgraded engine will be ready for field launch from 2028.”

Rosa DeLauro, Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, said: “Pratt & Whitney has reduced the cost of the F135 engine by 50% since the start of production, and the engine has performed twice as much as its original specs over the years. It’s time for a replacement. “We’re going to give him the capabilities he needs for billions of dollars less than a new engine. It’s a win for our soldiers and taxpayers.”

The Pratt & Whitney modernization is the only F-35 propulsion modernization option available for all F-35 variants. In addition, the system is expected to save $40 billion by avoiding aircraft changes and leveraging existing maintenance infrastructure.