Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall: “I support the decision that we did make, which is to go with the ECU, which is an upgrade to the existing engine … when the department looked at this overall and looked at the alternatives, the right decision for the department was to go with ECU” (Testimony to House Armed Services Committee, Department of the Air Force FY24 Budget Request, April 27, 2023)
Joint USAF statement by Hon. Andrew P. Hunter Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Acquisition, Technology & Logistics) Lt. Gen. S. Clinton Hinote, USAF Deputy Chief of Staff (Strategy, Integration, and Requirements) Lt. Gen. Richard G. Moore Jr., USAF Deputy Chief of Staff (Plans and Programs) Lt. Gen. James C. Slife, USAF Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations): “The Air Force is working with the JPO to implement the F-35 enterprise decision to move forward with the F135 Engine Core Upgrade and accompanying Power and Thermal Management System upgrade … the JPO-led BCA determined that the F135 Engine Core Upgrade will restore engine life and prevent degradation for all three F-35 variants and partner nations at the lowest cost.” (Written statement to SASC Airland Subcommittee Hearing, April 26, 2023)
Assistant Secretary of the Air Force Andrew Hunter: “The F135 Engine Core Upgrade will restore engine life and prevent degradation for all three F-35 variants and partner nations at the lowest cost.” (Testimony to HASC TAL, FY 24 Budget Request of DoD for Fixed-Wing Tactical & Training Aircraft Programs, March 29, 2023)
USMC Lt. General Michael Cederholm: “What this Engine Core Upgrade does is it gives us greater bring-back capability to the boat. What does that mean? We can bring back 1,000 lbs more to the boat, which gives us life. Fuel is life. Time on station is life for us. So that’s why we are excited about the ECU and PTMS upgrades.” (Testimony to HASC TAL, FY 24 Budget Request of DoD for Fixed-Wing Tactical & Training Aircraft Programs, March 29, 2023)
Rep. Rosa DeLauro (CT-3 and Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee): “Pratt and Whitney is one of the foremost leaders in advanced technology and defense manufacturing, and it is clear their F135 engine is superior and cost-effective.” (December 2023)
Rep. John Larson (CT-1): “I am both gratified and proud that the Pentagon is committing to sole source production of the F135 to Pratt & Whitney Aircraft over a costly alternative engine. This is the right decision for our warfighters, partner nations across the globe, and for American taxpayers.” (December 2023)
Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-2): “When the Department of Defense submitted its budget request for Fiscal Year 2024, the decision was crystal clear – upgrading the existing F135 engine is the most efficient and cost-effective strategy to deliver increased capability for our servicemembers and international program partners in the F-35 enterprise.” (December 2023)