HARTFORD – U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), along with U.S. Representatives John Larson (D-1), Joe Courtney (D-2), and Rosa DeLauro (D-3) announced that the U.S. Department of Defense is awarding Pratt & Whitney a $1.5 billion contract for the 10th batch of low-rate initial production engines (LRIP 10) used to power the F-35 fighter jet. When combined with previous awards for this lot, the LRIP 10 contract totals $1.95 billion. LRIP 10 will cover 99 total engines, as well as program management, engineering support, production non-recurring efforts, spare modules and spare parts.

“Pratt & Whitney is on a roll,” said Murphy. “Between last week’s $1 billion contract announcement from the Air Force and this $1.5 billion contract announcement from the Defense Department, Pratt – and the hundreds of small suppliers throughout Connecticut that they support – are proven, key players in keeping our nation safe. The F135 engine is one of the most reliable and cost-effective in the world, and I applaud the dedicated men and women at Pratt for their continued commitment to excellence in manufacturing.”

“The exciting announcement that Pratt & Whitney will build the 10th batch of engines to power the world-class F-35 fighter jet is yet another testament to Connecticut’s incredible leadership in the aerospace industry,” Blumenthal said. “Supported by Connecticut’s skilled and talented defense manufacturing workforce, the F-35 program provides truly transformational capability and this much-deserved contract will only further our state’s continued contribution to our country’s national defense.” 

“Connecticut continues to play a key role in our nation’s security, and the F-35 is a vital component in our defense,” said Larson. “I am thrilled to see Pratt & Whitney will provide another ninety-nine engines for this world-class fighter jet. This is a tremendous win for both our national defense and the countless jobs supported by the aerospace industry right here in Connecticut.”

“The announcement yesterday by the Air Force that Pratt & Whitney will design and build the 10th batch of engines for the F-35 is great news for Connecticut’s defense manufacturing base,” said Courtney. “This news is once again a testament to the exceptional workers at Pratt & Whitney and the talented suppliers across the state that support their work. Defense related manufacturing remains a central part of our region’s economy, and the selection of Pratt &Whitney to continue building the engines powering the most advanced fighter jet in the world will provide a significant boost for years to come.”

“This announcement that the U.S. Department of Defense is awarding Pratt & Whitney a $1.5 billion contract is excellent news for Connecticut’s economy and the hardworking men and women in our state,” said DeLauro. “As the home to the nation’s leading defense manufacturers, I am confident that Connecticut will continue to play a central role in providing our armed forces with the necessary equipment to keep America safe. We continue to keep and grow jobs in our state, and I will continue to fight for additional funding in Congress for years to come.”