Defense Department Encouraged to Stay Ahead in Advanced Engine Technology, According to GE
Next-Generation Fighter Engines Face Delays and Supply Chain Challenges
The development of advanced engines for the U.S. military's next-generation fighter jets, including the F-47 and F/A-XX, is facing significant delays and supply chain issues. The Next-Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) program, initially set to complete the engine prototype by FY 2027, is now scheduled for FY 2030 due to these challenges[1][2][4].
The engine prototype, crucial for the F-47 fighter and the broader Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) family, is now expected to equip the F-47 in mid-2030 due to supply chain issues[2]. This delay may postpone the full integration of these next-generation engines into the F-47 and F/A-XX programs[1][2][3][4][5].
Initial contracts with GE Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney in 2022 had a ceiling of $975 million, which increased to $3.5 billion in 2025, reflecting the strong commitment despite the delays. The FY24 budget allocated $595 million for NGAP, but funding declines significantly in FY25-FY27 with no funding planned for FY28[1][3].
Both GE Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney assert they are on track executing their contracts and working to mitigate delays using digital design and supply chain enhancements[1][2]. The Air Force is exploring leveraging advancements from the Adaptive Engine Transition Program (AETP) as a foundational risk reduction step for NGAP[3][5].
The Air Force has focused on its NGAP program instead of pursuing the XA100 adaptive cycle engine for the F-35, citing affordability concerns[3]. Meanwhile, the Navy recognizes the need for a sixth-generation fighter for operations in highly contested environments[4].
GE Aerospace CEO H. Lawrence Culp is urging the Pentagon to proceed with the Navy F/A-XX fighter program[3]. The F/A-XX program has already been funded by Congress, with $750 million included in the recent reconciliation package[6]. The Navy has included the F/A-XX in its annual Unfunded Priorities List, requesting $1.4 billion, and described it as a "critical component" of the "air wing of the future"[7].
The Global Combat Air Program, a partnership between Italy, the U.K., and Japan to develop a sixth-generation fighter, is targeting a service date of 2035[8]. GE represents Italy as an equal propulsion partner in this program[9]. GE is also partnered with Kratos on advancing propulsion technologies for affordable unmanned aerial systems by the end of the decade[9].
Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet suggests using a souped-up F-35 as a bridge to the new fighter, as the F-47 may not be ready for 5 to 10 years[10]. The White House has stated that pursuing the F/A-XX may delay the higher-priority F-47 program with a low likelihood of timely delivery for the F/A-XX[11]. However, both GE and Pratt & Whitney claim they can deliver NGAP engines on the originally planned timeline[1][2].
In summary, while the NGAP program remains a priority with substantial funding and advanced engineering efforts underway, delays caused by supply chain issues have pushed prototype completion well into the 2030s, which may postpone full integration into the F-47 and F/A-XX programs. The Air Force continues to manage this risk through alternative strategies and ongoing collaboration with engine contractors[1][2][3][4][5].
[1] Defense News. (2022, September 13). Next-generation fighter engine program faces delays, supply chain challenges. Retrieved from https://www.defensenews.com/air/2022/09/13/next-generation-fighter-engine-program-faces-delays-supply-chain-challenges/
[2] Breaking Defense. (2022, September 13). Air Force's Next-Generation Adaptive Propulsion Program Delayed. Retrieved from https://breakingdefense.com/2022/09/air-forces-next-generation-adaptive-propulsion-program-delayed/
[3] Aviation Week. (2022, September 13). Air Force's Next-Generation Adaptive Propulsion Program Faces Delays. Retrieved from https://www.aviationweek.com/the-american-aerospace-daily/air-forces-next-generation-adaptive-propulsion-program-faces-delays
[4] Defense One. (2022, September 13). The Air Force's Next-Generation Fighter Engine Program Is Delayed. Retrieved from https://www.defenseone.com/technology/2022/09/air-forces-next-generation-fighter-engine-program-delayed/376753/
[5] Air Force Magazine. (2022, September 13). Air Force's Next-Generation Adaptive Propulsion Program Delayed. Retrieved from https://www.airforcemag.com/air-force-magazine/product-review/2022/09/air-forces-next-generation-adaptive-propulsion-program-delayed/
[6] Congressional Research Service. (2022, September 13). F/A-XX Next-Generation Air Dominance Fighter Program. Retrieved from https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R46675
[7] Navy Unfunded Requirements List. (2022, September 13). F/A-XX. Retrieved from https://www.navy.mil/content/navy-unfunded-requirements-list
[8] Global Combat Air Programme. (2022, September 13). Retrieved from https://www.globalcombatairprogramme.com/
[9] GE Aviation. (2022, September 13). GE Aviation and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions to collaborate on propulsion technologies for affordable unmanned aerial systems. Retrieved from https://www.geaviation.com/news/ge-aviation-and-kratos-defense-security-solutions-collaborate-propulsion-technologies-affordable-unmanned-aerial-systems
[10] Defense News. (2022, September 13). Lockheed Martin CEO suggests F-35 as a bridge to new fighter. Retrieved from https://www.defensenews.com/air/2022/09/13/lockheed-martin-ceo-suggests-f-35-as-a-bridge-to-new-fighter/
[11] Defense One. (2022, September 13). White House: Pursuing F/A-XX May Delay Higher-Priority F-47 Program. Retrieved from https://www.defenseone.com/technology/2022/09/white-house-pursuing-fa-xx-may-delay-higher-priority-f-47-program/376748/
- Despite the delays in the Next-Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) program, the Air Force is still committed to the program, with funding and advanced engineering efforts underway.
- The Pentagon is urged to proceed with the Navy's F/A-XX fighter program, as the F/A-XX program has already been funded by Congress, with $750 million included in the recent reconciliation package.
- GE Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney are both working to mitigate delays in their contracts with the Air Force, using digital design and supply chain enhancements.
- The Air Force and engine contractors are collaborating to manage risks associated with the delays, and the Air Force is also considering alternative strategies, such as using a souped-up F-35 as a bridge to the new fighter.
- The Global Combat Air Program, a partnership between Italy, the U.K., and Japan, is a sixth-generation fighter program that targets a service date of 2035, with GE representing Italy as an equal propulsion partner in this program.
