Larson Announces $462 Million Investment in F135 Modernization, Safeguarding Thousands of Connecticut Manufacturing Jobs

East Hartford, CT - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) announced $462 million in Fiscal Year 2024 funding to support F135 modernization, which supports thousands of Connecticut manufacturing jobs and nearly 100 suppliers across the state.

"The F135 is the most advanced, reliable, and capable production fighter engine the world has ever known and supports thousands of good-paying manufacturing jobs here in Connecticut," said Larson. "I am thrilled to announce that we secured full funding for engine modernization in this year's government funding package, and defeated a costly alternative engine that would cost taxpayers billion and imperil our state's manufacturing supply chain. Securing Pratt and Whitney as the sole supplier of engines for the F-35 ensures the best machinists and engineers in the world will keep the eagle flying right here in Connecticut for years to come."

"We are thrilled to see this Federal funding dedicated to support programs and projects at Pratt and Whitney, a mainstay of the East Hartford community," said East Hartford Mayor Connor Martin. "The F135 Engine Core Upgrade project supports more than 57,000 manufacturing jobs right here in Connecticut, which means our economy continues to sustain and thrive. This funding allocation is an important commitment to keeping the most highly skilled workforce in America based right here in East Hartford and this commitment to bolster Connecticut's manufacturing supply chain is a win for our state, and a win for East Hartford. I would like to thank Congressman Larson, as well as all of our federal elected officials who worked diligently and collaboratively to pass this bipartisan government funding package."

"This is another boost for the aerospace industry and our members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, District 26. Once again, Congressman Larson has stood strong for the Union workers in Connecticut. This proves how much our members' skillsets are valued in this industry. We continue to build and maintain the best products in the world and this investment proves it," said Jeff Santini, Directing Business Representative, Machinists Union (IAMAW) District 26.

"On behalf of Pratt & Whitney, I want to thank Rep. Larson and his team for their steadfast work to secure funds for both F135 production and Engine Core Upgrade development," said Jill Albertelli, President of Pratt & Whitney Military Engines. "Our Connecticut advocates here in East Hartford and throughout the state are critical contributors to the F-35's important mission, and their support will ensure we deliver a modernized F135 engine that can enable the Joint Strike Fighter to counter advanced threats by the end of the decade."

As Co-Chair of the Joint Strike Fighter Caucus, Rep. Larson led a coalition of machinists and bipartisan Members of Congress in support of engine modernization and against a costly alternative engine to the Connecticut-built F135.

On March 23rd, President Biden signed the Larson-supported government funding package into law, fully funding F135 modernization and ensuring no federal funds will be used to integrate an alternative engine, achieving a nearly three-decade goal to secure Pratt and Whitney as the sole supplier of engines for the F-35.