In the US, F-35 engine upgrade clears key review stage
UA.NEWS16
September
2026
03:15
In National Harbor, Maryland, United States, the upgrade program for the F135 engine used in the F-35 fighter has passed a risk-reduction design review. This stage opens the way for further testing and, subsequently, production of the upgrade, Breaking Defense reports.
Next tests
The program in question is the Engine Core Upgrade (ECU) for the F135 powerplant. Jill Albertelli, president of Pratt & Whitney’s military engines division, said the company is working to integrate the upgrade with the aircraft airframe, and that the review confirmed the readiness of the design and industrial base for further advancement of the program.
According to her, about one-third of the unique equipment for the first engine intended for testing under the program is being manufactured. The next step is expected to be the first engine test. Previously, a senior US Air Force official said ground testing is expected to begin in 2027, with flight testing expected around 2030.
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ECU production expected in 2031
Several years ago, Pratt & Whitney projected that the ECU could enter service in 2028. At the same time, according to a US Government Accountability Office review released last year, ECU production is planned for 2031.
Military officials expect the upgrade to provide greater thrust and fuel efficiency, restore the engine’s planned service life, and support future F-35 upgrades under the Block 4 package. The ECU was selected instead of developing an entirely new adaptive powerplant for the aircraft.
The upgrade is planned for all three F-35 variants, including through retrofitting aircraft already in service. The Pentagon recently awarded a contract modification for work under the ECU program worth approximately $240.8 million, following a base contract worth $1.3 billion concluded in September 2024.
