USA seeks new engines for fighter jets: industrial challenges and strategic requirements

The U.S. Air Force seeks new engines for its fighters: industrial challenges and strategic goals

The U.S. Air Force has launched an unprecedented initiative to renew the engines of its fighter jets, signaling serious problems in the current supply chain. The Request for Information (RFI) published on the [official portal](https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/0da4cca1eb604f32bb90a2b601cd593f/view) highlights production delays, quality issues, and critical obsolescence of key components. The deadline for responses is set for August 28.

The document underscores that "the current industrial base has demonstrated significant challenges, including production delays, quality control issues, and critical obsolescence of key engine components." This initiative comes amid growing difficulties for the Air Force, with delays in deliveries and modernizations of aircraft such as the F-35 and B-52.

Delays and additional costs: current problems

A recent report by the [Government Accountability Office](https://files.gao.gov/reports/GAO-25-107632/index.html) revealed that the supplier of the F-35 engines has failed to meet contractual specifications for over 20 years. Meanwhile, the modernization of the B-52 has been delayed by 15 months and has incurred additional costs of $3 billion, as reported by another [GAO](https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-109272) report.

A multi-year project to renew the fleet

The Air Force has launched a project to acquire fighter engines that involves producing over 180 engines per year by 2034. The RFI specifically focuses on engines for the F-15EX and F-16. The document promises "five fundamental pillars designed to drive a paradigm shift in engine acquisition and maintenance," shifting the focus from traditional acquisition to technological evolution and industrial capacity expansion.

Among the key points, the Air Force intends to "hold suppliers accountable for delivering new, more capable, reliable, and cost-effective engines." The emphasis will be on the "total life cycle cost of the engine, not just the initial purchase price." Contractors will be responsible for ensuring reliable supply chains and planning an acquisition strategy that prioritizes ease of maintenance and establishes a resilient and sustainable supply chain from the outset.

Production needs and industrial challenges

The Air Force intends to "implement an acquisition strategy that prioritizes ease of maintenance and establishes a resilient and sustainable supply chain from the outset." This effort is designed to address critical fleet-level problems by requiring a newer engine with better supportability.

The expected outcome is reduced logistical impact that minimizes downtime, lowers the burden on maintainers, and ensures a continuous flow of parts and support to maximize operational readiness. The Air Force intends to "impose rigorous productivity requirements" and select a partner capable of scaling production to meet peak needs, ensuring a continuous supply of engines for USAF/FMS aircraft programs (e.g., F-15EX and F-16).

Supply chains and raw materials

With nations competing for the acquisition of raw materials and China restricting exports of [rare earths](https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/20/business/china-rare-earth-export-controls-analysis-intl-hnk#:~:text=In%20late%202023%2C%20it%20imposed,superhard%20materials%20to%20the%20US), the Air Force wants to ensure that producers can find the necessary raw materials.

The RFI asks companies to specify "at what minimum volume your supply chain can justify private capital investments (such as facility expansion, tool modernization, or advanced automation) and how these investments will structurally reduce your long-term unit costs." Additionally, an assessment of the main raw material limitations (e.g., specialized titanium/nickel alloys) or production process bottlenecks (e.g., advanced casting or forging capacity) that represent the highest risk for scalability of fighter engine production is required.

The evolution of the U.S. defense industrial landscape

This initiative represents a turning point for the U.S. defense industrial landscape. The Air Force is seeking not only new engines but also new partners capable of addressing current and future challenges. The ability to scale production, secure raw materials, and reduce long-term costs will be crucial to the success of this project.

The RFI represents a significant step toward modernizing the Air Force's fighter fleet, but success will depend on the ability of participating companies to address the logistical, economic, and geopolitical challenges that characterize the current landscape.