US-based aerospace engine systems manufacturer Pratt and Whitney has won a large contract to service Israeli Air Force (IAF) jets.
The company will provide engine maintenance services on Israeli jets over the course of the next 15 years.
Reportedly the deal signed between Pratt and Whitney and the Israeli Ministry of Defence is worth more the $500m.
The deal itself will begin next January, and will apply to Israel’s F-16I and F-15I fighter jets.
“This contract sets a new benchmark for our military customers. […] Pratt & Whitney is humbled and honored by the confidence Israeli leadership has placed in us and we look forward to working with local industries to provide continued, long-term support to the Israeli warfighter,” said Bennett Croswell, president, Pratt & Whitney Military Engines.
Pratt and Whitney said in a statement that it will provide “full propulsion sustainment support” for the IAF’s full fleet of F100-PW-229 engines which are used in these two aircraft.
Such support includes material forecasting, item repair management and provisioning of operational, intermediate and depot-level spare parts.
Israeli officials cited the country’s long-standing relationship with Pratt and Whitney as the reason for the deal.
“The IAF and IMOD have enjoyed a decades-long relationship with Pratt and Whitney, over which time they have earned our confidence and trust,” said Aharon Marmarosh, director, Israel Mission to the US.
“Because of Pratt & Whitney’s expertise and track record of high-performance on our prior material management program, we felt confident in working with them on a full 15-year FMP program.”
According to the Israeli Ministry of Defense, the US company will reportedly hire Israeli companies as subcontractors as part of the air force maintenance agreement.
Israeli media has reported that these local partners will be Bet Shemesh Engines Ltd., Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. and Chromalloy Israel.
The IAF is set to continue its reliance on aircraft using Pratt and Whitney engines into the future, with a forthcoming purchase of new F-35 aircraft using the company’s F135 engine.
