Japanese Government To Purchase 42 F135-Powered JSFs

The announcement by the Japanese government to purchase 42 F-35 Lightning II aircraft as the Japan Air Self Defense Force’s (JASDF) next-generation fighter has Pratt & Whitney basking in the glow of the Rising Sun. The company is the sole source for engines for the JSF.

“We are honored to be part of the Japanese F135-powered F-35 selection and look forward to supporting the Japan Air Self Defense Force and Japanese aerospace industry,” said Bennett Croswell, president of Pratt & Whitney Military Engines. “This program selection builds on the strong relationship Pratt & Whitney has with JASDF and Japanese industry over the past 30 years on the F100 engine powering their F-15 fighters.”

The F-35 program will replace Japan’s aging F-4 fleet with highly advanced fifth-generation technology and capability. Procurement of the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine also offers potentially significant engine industrial participation for Japanese industry.

Croswell said, “Flight testing continues to validate the exceptional performance of the F135-powered F-35 and we look forward to powering Japan’s fleet of next-generation fighter jets.” Pratt & Whitney, the only engine manufacturer producing fifth-generation propulsion systems, has designed, developed and tested the F135 to deliver the most advanced fifth- generation fighter engine for the U.S. services and our international allies.

FMI: www.pw.utc.com