Pratt & Whitney has secured a contract valued at up to $1.5 billion for the maintenance and support of F119 engines powering the US Air Force’s F-22 Raptor fighter jets.
The RTX subsidiary explained that its three-year contract will support initiatives aimed at improving operational readiness and reducing costs related to the F119 fleet. This fleet includes over 400 engines and has accumulated more than 900,000 flight hours.
“The F119’s readiness and reliability rates have never been more important, and we are improving both while lowering lifecycle costs,” said Jill Albertelli, president of Military Engines at Pratt & Whitney. “We are committed to helping our U.S. Air Force customer maintain the F-22’s combat edge.”
The F-22 Raptor is powered by two F119 engines, each capable of producing over 35,000 pounds of thrust. This enables the aircraft to reach altitudes exceeding 65,000 feet. A standout feature of the F-22 is its ability to supercruise, meaning that it can maintain supersonic speeds without the use of afterburners. This function helps conserve fuel and extends the aircraft’s operational range.
As part of its ongoing efforts to lower costs, Pratt & Whitney is implementing its Usage Based Lifing (UBL) program, which utilizes real-time data to enhance maintenance efficiency and extend the lifespan of the engines. Additionally, an updated engine control schedule has improved the kinematic performance of the engines.
F-22 modernization efforts
The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, introduced in 2005, was the world’s first mass-produced fifth-generation fighter jet and remains a key component of the US Air Force’s air superiority strategy. Currently, 178 F-22 fighters are in active service.
Initially slated for replacement by the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program in the 2030s, the F-22 is currently undergoing upgrades to prolong its effectiveness in potential near-peer conflicts.
In September 2024, Raytheon was awarded a contract worth up to $1.04 billion to enhance the aircraft’s sensor capabilities. In January 2025, Lockheed Martin secured a $270 million contract to integrate next-generation infrared defensive sensors onto the F-22 Raptor.
Strategic deployments
The F-22 has played a critical role in US military operations, frequently deploying to strategic locations amid rising global tensions. In April 2023, F-22 fighters were repositioned from Poland to Amari Air Base in Estonia to bolster NATO’s Air Shielding mission and deter aggression in the Baltic Sea region.
“It cannot be matched by any known or projected fighter aircraft, making it a highly strategic platform to support NATO Air Shielding,” the USAF commented at the time.
With continued investment in sustainment and modernization, the F-22 Raptor remains a crucial asset in maintaining US air superiority and ensuring allied deterrence in volatile regions.
