Raytheon Technologies segment Pratt & Whitney has announced a $255 million investment to construct a military engine sustainment center in Oklahoma.
The facility will cover 845,000 square feet (78,500 square meters) in Oklahoma City near Tinker Air Force Base.
It will serve as a depot hub for military equipment produced by Pratt & Whitney, including engines for F-35, C-17, F-22, F-15, F-16, B-52, and E-3 AWACS aircraft.
Preparing Fighter Engines for 2028
Pratt & Whitney’s present Oklahoma City site offers global sustainment services for Japan, the Netherlands, Australia, and Norway alongside the US Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina, US Naval Air Station Jacksonville, and West Palm Beach in Florida.
The company claims the site is the only one capable of supporting the entire F135 power module scope levels for US F-35 Joint Strike Fighters.
“Pratt & Whitney’s Oklahoma City site plays a critical role in our global sustainment network,” the company’s Military Engines President Jill Albertelli stated.
“Last year, the team achieved record output for the F117, F119, and F135 Heavy Maintenance Centers—this investment in a new facility will further expand our capabilities and reaffirm our commitment to our customer for years to come.”
By integrating the new sustainment center, the firm expects increased repair, maintenance, and overhaul capabilities as the F135 propulsion program continues.
“This facility will play a particularly important role in rapidly delivering the F135 engine core upgrade to the F-35 fleet, which is critical to ensuring all the services have the capabilities they need to fight an advancing threat starting in 2028,” Oklahoma Representative Tom Cole said.
‘Significant and Appreciated’ Investment
The new facility will help consolidate Pratt & Whitney’s six existing sites into two locations: Oklahoma City Sustainment Center and Tinker Air Force Base’s Air Logistics Complex.
“This $255 million investment in a world-class sustainment center helps strengthen Oklahoma’s position as the MRO capital of the world and I am thrilled for Pratt & Whitney to continue to invest and expand in our state,” Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt stated.
New positions in the center will offer salaries upwards of $80,000. The primary expertise required for these roles involves procurement and engineering.
“Tinker is a cornerstone of Oklahoma City’s economy and culture, and supporting companies that support the base is important to our entire city. Pratt & Whitney’s investment in our city, and in the jobs added with this new facility, is significant and appreciated,” Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt added.
Pratt & Whitney has operated in Oklahoma since the 1940s, with early support focusing on the US defense’s C-47 Skytrain military transport aircraft.
The business employs more than 450 full-time employees and 450 partner contractors in various segments.
