Pratt & Whitney Secures $29 Million in Defense Contracts
East Hartford-based jet engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney has received significant new contracts totaling $29 million from both the U.S. Department of Defense and the NATO Support and Procurement Agency. These contracts are poised to enhance the operational capabilities of military aircraft, specifically the F-15 and F-16 fighter jets, as well as provide vital support for NATO’s airborne warning and control systems.
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, a member of the Senate’s Committee on Armed Services, announced on March 6, 2024, that Pratt & Whitney has been awarded an $11 million contract from the U.S. Department of Defense. This contract will allow the company to build F100 engines, which are crucial for powering the aforementioned military aircraft. Blumenthal praised the contract, stating, “This $11 million contract is fantastic news for the unrivaled Pratt & Whitney workers in East Hartford and Middletown.” He emphasized that each contract awarded by the Department of Defense reflects a strong commitment to Connecticut’s manufacturing sector.
In a separate announcement, RTX, the parent company of Pratt & Whitney based in Arlington, Virginia, disclosed that it has secured an $18 million contract from the NATO Support and Procurement Agency. Under this agreement, Pratt & Whitney will provide engine sustainment services, including a comprehensive materials management program. This program encompasses part forecasting, procurement, and technical support specifically for NATO’s fleet of E-3 Sentry aircraft, known for their vital role in air surveillance and situational awareness.
The NATO contract is set to last for three years, with an option for a two-year extension. Work related to this contract will take place at multiple sites, including Pratt’s East Hartford facility and the NATO Air Base in Geilenkirchen, along with depots in Turkey and Greece. Jessica Villardi, vice president of fighter and mobility programs at Pratt, remarked, “NATO’s TF33-powered E-3s have played a pivotal role supporting air, ground, and maritime operations for over 40 years, providing its 32 member nations with air surveillance, real-time situational awareness, and battle management.” She added that Pratt’s integrated engine sustainment approach would maximize fleet readiness for years to come.
In a related development, Pratt & Whitney workers, represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, voted in May 2023 to ratify a new contract agreement, effectively ending a three-week strike. This strike, which was notable for being a historic bargaining showdown, followed the union’s rejection of the company’s final contract offer. The agreement now covers approximately 3,000 workers at Pratt & Whitney plants in the Hartford and Middletown areas.
The recent contracts not only bolster Pratt & Whitney’s standing in the defense sector but also provide a significant boost to the local economy, reinforcing the company’s role as a leader in aerospace manufacturing.
