Larson Gathers Machinists and Industry Leaders to Celebrate $1.3 Billion Federal Contract Boost for Engine Manufacturing in Connecticut
East Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) joined with local leaders, including East Hartford Mayor Connor Martin and Middletown Mayor Gene Nocera, machinists, and industry leaders from Pratt & Whitney and suppliers across the state, at the IAM Local Lodge 1746 to celebrate, the $1.3 billion federal contract just awarded to Pratt & Whitney to build more spares for the F135 engine in East Hartford, Middletown, Windsor, and Wallingford.
“I have been proud to lead the fight in Congress to ensure Connecticut workers keep the world's top fighter jet flying right here at Pratt & Whitney for years to come,” said Larson. “Following our effort in Congress to increase investments in spare part and engine manufacturing, it is great news that this funding was not only signed into law, but a $1.3 billion contract was awarded to support good-paying jobs in East Hartford and Middletown, and at suppliers in Windsor and across the state. I will never stop fighting for the hard-working machinists and engineers that call our state home, who ensure every day that our Armed Forces and allies have the best equipment possible. Together, we will continue to support Connecticut’s manufacturing supply chain and keep the eagle flying here in our state for years to come.”
This contract was awarded following Larson’s push, as Co-Chair of the Joint Strike Fighter Caucus, to secure more funding to build spares. Last year, Rep. Larson led the entire Connecticut delegation and a bipartisan coalition of Members of Congress from across the country, in a call to increase engine spare orders, a request that passed and was signed into law in February. This funding increase follows Larson’s effort to safeguard Connecticut manufacturing jobs, by passing a law in 2024 to ensure no federal funding is used to support a costly alternative engine to the F135—which would have been built out-of-state.
“This $1.3 billion investment in Pratt & Whitney is a major victory for Connecticut workers, the economy, and our national security,” said Senator Richard Blumenthal. “The hardworking men and women at Pratt represent the very best Connecticut manufacturing has to offer. I’m proud to have fought for these funds, and I will keep working to support Connecticut’s aerospace industry so companies like Pratt & Whitney can continue to be leaders in innovation while strengthening our national defense and creating job opportunities across Connecticut.”
As Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, I am so proud to continue supporting the F135 program and all the workers here who have committed countless hours to build it,” said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03). “The F135 is the world’s most advanced, reliable, and capable fighter engine in the world. Investments in the F135 are critical to keep flying our brave servicemembers and allies around the world who we rely on every day to defend democracy and protect our national and global security. I was proud to stand together with the Connecticut delegation to fight for increased funding for spare engines, which is exactly what this $1.3 billion contract reflects. I am honored to be your ally and I will continue championing this effort to ensure that you can continue delivering the F135 for many years to come. Together, we can keep the F135 flying.”
“I am thrilled to see this federal funding to continue to support projects and programs at Pratt & Whitney, supporting manufacturing jobs right here in East Hartford,” said East Hartford Mayor Connor Martin. “I’d like to thank Congressman Larson for his continued push for investment in our country‘s military, and his continued support of Connecticut supply chain. And more than anything, fighting to keep highly paid, highly skilled manufacturing jobs here in East Hartford. Lastly, I would be remiss if I did not thank the thousands of machinists and engineers, especially those machinists here at East Hartford local 1746. Their skills, hard work, and attention to detail allow Pratt & Whitney to continue to be a leader in the most advanced fighter jet engines in the world and I am proud to have them here in East Hartford.”
In 2026 alone, Larson and the Connecticut delegation have announced $4.7 billion in new contracts for engine manufacturing at Pratt & Whitney, which employs 11,000 workers, and supports 21,000 jobs across the state, both at Pratt and across the engine supply chain, including suppliers like ACMT Inc. in Manchester.
“We are extremely grateful to Congressman Larson for his continued dedication to our aerospace manufacturing community and his advocacy for critical programs like the F-35,” said Aerospace Components Manufacturers Executive Director Jessica Taylor. “This $1.3 billion investment in the F135 engine program will have an impact well beyond Pratt & Whitney’s own facilities, supporting hundreds of aerospace manufacturers and thousands of skilled workers throughout our regional supply chain. These companies are proud to provide parts, assemblies, and services that support the most sophisticated fighter jet in the world. We appreciate that both Congressman Larson and Pratt & Whitney recognize the importance of our local supply chain and the role that sustained investment in programs like the F-35 plays in supporting our skilled workforce, manufacturing expertise, and the proud aerospace legacy of our region.”
Photos from today’s even can be viewed HERE.