Lockheed's support for new F-35 engine draws criticism from Pratt.
Lockheed Martin publicly supports the Adaptive Engine Transition Program (AETP) for the F-35 fighter jet, which would provide greater power and cooling capabilities beyond upcoming Block 4 upgrades. This breaks with the Pentagon's decision to upgrade the fighter's current Pratt & Whitney-made engines. Pratt & Whitney rebuked Lockheed's statement, saying that an AETP engine is unproven and better suited for a sixth-generation aircraft. The Pentagon decided to go with the Engine Core Upgrade in the fiscal 2024 budget proposal, but the House Armed Services Committee proposed funding for both options.