A Pratt & Whitney senior official told DOD Buzz that the Pentagon could save big bucks if it would just issue the company a multi-year, performance-based logistics contract. Lawmakers have heard recent testimony about increased costs for the F-35 powerplant, the P&W F135—largely related to labor and supplier base issues—and, believing that competition would spawn savings, for years they have supported the General Electric Rolls-Royce F136 alternate engine over Pentagon objections. Warren Boley, head of P&W’s military engine division, reports DOD Buzz believes there’s no need to develop an alternate engine because “there are much more precise and cost-effective solutions to get the performance you want.”
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.