Honeywell is set to expand its aerospace manufacturing footprint in Arizona to support the United States Navy’s upcoming jet training program. The company announced plans to assemble F124 jet engines at its existing Phoenix campus, a move designed to power the Beechcraft M-346N military-aircraft.

According to reporting by 12News, the U.S. Navy is anticipated to acquire over 200 new aircraft for its training fleet. To meet this demand, Honeywell is preparing its local facilities to handle the on-site assembly of the required propulsion systems.

Production Timeline and Scope

Meeting Navy Demand

The expansion represents a significant long-term commitment to defense manufacturing in the region. Assembly of the F124 engines for the Beechcraft M-346N is slated to commence at the Phoenix location by 2027.

Over the subsequent 13 years, the facility is projected to produce more than 400 engines, according to 12News. The local news outlet also noted that the Navy is expected to officially contract the Beechcraft M-346N candidate next year.

A Legacy of Aerospace Engineering

Building on Decades of Experience

The Phoenix campus has been a cornerstone of Honeywell’s production capabilities for decades, making it a logical choice for the new defense contract. The site has a long history of delivering critical aviation components to both military and commercial clients.

“Honeywell’s Phoenix Engines campus has produced tens of thousands of world-class engines and auxiliary power units over more than 75 years. We’re proud to start building our F124 engines in Phoenix as we support the U.S. Navy in its new jet trainer program.”

This statement from Dave Marinick, president of Engines & Power Systems at Honeywell Aerospace, highlights the facility’s extensive track record in the industry.

AirPro News analysis

The decision to localize the assembly of the F124 engines in Phoenix underscores a broader industry trend of consolidating defense manufacturing within established domestic hubs. By leveraging a facility with over 75 years of operational history, Honeywell mitigates supply-chain risks and positions itself favorably for future Department of Defense procurement cycles. The 13-year production timeline also suggests sustained economic benefits and job stability for the local aerospace sector in Arizona.

Frequently Asked Questions

What engine is Honeywell expanding production for?

Honeywell is expanding the manufacturing and on-site assembly of its F124 jet engines.

What aircraft will these engines power?

The engines are slated to power the Beechcraft M-346N, which is a candidate for the U.S. Navy’s new jet training system.

When will production begin?

Assembly of the engines at the Phoenix campus is projected to begin by 2027.

Sources

• 12News
• Kevin Reagan

This article is based on an official press release from Bell Textron Inc.

On April 20, 2026, Bell Textron Inc. announced highly successful initial results from its Nacelle Improvement (NI) Program for the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey. According to the company’s press release, modified Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) CV-22s have logged over 10,000 flight hours, demonstrating a 75 percent reduction in maintenance time and a 10 percent increase in operational readiness.

By targeting the nacelles, historically the most maintenance-intensive component of the tiltrotor aircraft, the upgrade program aims to significantly reduce operational costs and improve safety. We note that these enhancements are positioned to extend the Osprey’s service life through 2055, ensuring its continued role in U.S. military operations.

Addressing the V-22’s Maintenance Bottleneck

Historical Challenges and Program Inception

The V-22’s nacelles house the critical power and propulsion components necessary for its unique vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities and transition to forward flight. Historically, approximately 60 percent of all V-22 maintenance actions have been concentrated in this area, creating a significant readiness constraint for the fleet. In 2015, an Osprey Independent Readiness Review led by Lt. Gen. Keith Stalder, USMC (Ret.), identified systemic sustainment issues that were driving fleet readiness to dangerously low levels.

To combat these challenges, the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) awarded Bell Boeing an $81 million contract in January 2021 to develop, design, and install nacelle modification kits. According to the program’s historical data, the first modified CV-22 was returned to the 20th Special Operations Squadron at Cannon Air Force Base in December 2021.

Technical Upgrades and Fleet Rollout

Engineering Enhancements

The NI program is a data-driven engineering upgrade designed to modernize the nacelles, based heavily on direct feedback from Air Force and Marine Corps maintainers to ensure better physical access for routine repairs. Key modifications include redesigned wiring bundles to streamline troubleshooting and structural enhancements to reduce downtime. All modifications are completed at Bell’s Amarillo Assembly Center (AAC) in Texas, utilizing artisans highly experienced in V-22 manufacturing.

Measurable Impact on AFSOC

The recent data release highlights substantial operational improvements for the modified fleet. The upgrades allow for four times longer flight hours between critical part changes. Since the initial rollout, the program has saved AFSOC more than 24,000 maintenance man-hours, equating to over 1,000 days of maintainer time redirected to other mission-critical tasks. As of late 2024, 31 out of AFSOC’s 51 CV-22 aircraft had successfully completed the modifications.

“The Nacelle Improvement Program enhances the V-22s reliability, flexibility, and global reach for combat and humanitarian missions alike. We are pleased to see these remarkable results from the NI program and look forward to continued collaboration to enhance focus on V-22 safety, sustainability, and readiness,” said Kurt Fuller, Senior Vice President, Military Fielded Programs at Bell, in the company’s press release.

“Since the initial rollout, the CV-22 Nacelle Improvement has saved AFSOC more than 24,000 maintenance hours… CV-22 readiness saw more than a 10 percent increase; meaning more mission capable CV-22s on the flightline, which allows for further training and improved safety,” stated the V-22 Joint Program Office Principal Military Deputy Program Manager.

Broader Industry Context and Future Outlook

Rebuilding Fleet Confidence

The V-22 fleet faced a high-profile grounding in late 2023 following a fatal crash, with NAVAIR officially returning the Osprey to flight status on March 8, 2024, after a meticulous safety review. The success of the NI program serves as a critical pillar in rebuilding operator confidence and ensuring the long-term safety of the platform. While the program began with the Air Force’s CV-22 fleet, the technical commonality between variants means the operational data will directly inform planning for the Navy (CMV-22B) and Marine Corps (MV-22) fleets, which are also slated to incorporate these upgrades.

AirPro News analysis

We view the Nacelle Improvement Program as a vital pivot point for the V-22 Osprey’s lifecycle. By shifting the aircraft from a notoriously maintenance-intensive platform to a more sustainable one, Bell and Boeing are addressing the root cause of the fleet’s historical readiness woes. The validated 75 percent reduction in maintenance time is a staggering efficiency gain that not only lowers lifecycle costs but fundamentally changes how squadrons plan their operational tempos. If these metrics hold as the upgrades roll out to the larger Marine Corps and Navy fleets, the V-22 is well-positioned to remain a cornerstone of U.S. vertical lift capabilities through its projected 2055 service life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the V-22 Nacelle Improvement Program?

It is an engineering upgrade program by Bell Boeing aimed at modernizing the nacelles of the V-22 Osprey to improve reliability, reduce maintenance time, and increase operational readiness through simplified wiring and structural enhancements.

How much maintenance time has the program saved?

According to Bell Textron, the program has achieved a 75 percent reduction in maintenance time and saved AFSOC over 24,000 maintenance man-hours since its inception.

Will other military branches receive these upgrades?

Yes, the operational data from the Air Force’s CV-22 fleet is informing plans to incorporate these upgrades into the Navy’s CMV-22B and the Marine Corps’ MV-22 fleets.

Sources: Bell Textron Inc. Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from Raytheon (RTX).

Raytheon Delivers First Next Generation Jammer Pods to the Royal Australian Air Force

Raytheon, an RTX business, has officially announced the delivery of its first Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) pods to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). According to a company press release issued on April 20, 2026, this initial delivery of shipsets was completed ahead of schedule in September 2025, with subsequent deliveries planned to continue throughout 2026.

The NGJ-MB program, officially designated as the AN/ALQ-249, represents a major cooperative development and production effort between the U.S. Department of Defense and the Australian Department of Defence. The system is an advanced airborne electronic attack platform designed to disrupt and degrade enemy radar and communication systems, allowing allied aircrews to operate safely in contested environments.

To ensure the RAAF maintains operational and mission readiness, Raytheon noted in its release that it is providing on-site deployment and maintenance support directly in Australia.

Upgrading the Electronic Attack Arsenal

Transitioning from Legacy Systems

The introduction of the NGJ-MB marks a generational leap in electronic warfare. Based on supplementary research data, the NGJ program was initiated to replace the aging AN/ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System, which has been in active service since 1972. The legacy ALQ-99 system has increasingly faced reliability issues and interference challenges with modern Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar-Systems.

In contrast, the new NGJ-MB utilizes its own AESA technology radiating in the mid-band frequency range. Furthermore, research indicates that the system features a fully digital, Software-defined architecture, enabling rapid updates to counter emerging electromagnetic threats.

“This Delivery marks a significant milestone in our collaborative efforts with the U.S. Navy and RAAF on NGJ. This advanced technology will greatly enhance RAAF’s electronic warfare capabilities, safeguarding vital assets on its aircraft and more effectively neutralizing adversary technologies across a wide range of missions.”

Integration with the EA-18G Growler

The NGJ-MB pods are designed to be externally mounted on the EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft. According to defense research reports, the RAAF currently operates a fleet of 11 EA-18G Growlers assigned to No. 6 Squadron, stationed at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland. The integration of these advanced jamming pods is a core component of Australia’s broader “Project AIR 5349 Phase 6,” a $6 billion initiative aimed at comprehensively upgrading the RAAF’s Growler fleet to match current U.S. capabilities.

Program Milestones and Combat-Proven Technology

Recent Deployments and Contracts

The NGJ-MB system arrives in Australia with a proven operational track record. According to defense research, the U.S. Navy officially declared Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the system in December 2024. Shortly thereafter, the jammer saw its first combat deployment in 2024 with the U.S. Navy’s Electronic Attack Squadron 133 (VAQ-133) aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, where it was utilized during operations against Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.

Following these successful deployments, Raytheon secured a $580 million follow-on production contract from the U.S. Navy in May 2025. This contract, which runs through 2028, covers additional NGJ-MB systems for both U.S. and RAAF operations.

“Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band improves our fleet’s warfighting advantage in the electromagnetic spectrum. This system provides enhanced capabilities to deny, distract and disorient adversaries’ radars…”

Progress on the Low-Band Increment

The NGJ program is an evolutionary acquisition divided into multiple spectrum increments. While Raytheon is delivering the Mid-Band pods, progress is also underway for the Low-Band variant (NGJ-LB). Research data shows that in August 2024, the U.S. Navy awarded L3Harris a $587.4 million contract for the engineering and Manufacturing development of the NGJ-LB system, which is also being developed cooperatively with Australia.

AirPro News analysis

At AirPro News, we view the accelerated delivery of the NGJ-MB to the RAAF as a critical indicator of deepening defense interoperability between the United States and Australia. As the strategic focus shifts heavily toward the Indo-Pacific region, spectrum dominance is becoming just as vital as traditional air superiority. The transition to software-defined electronic attack systems like the NGJ-MB highlights a broader defense industry trend: the necessity for agile, easily upgradable platforms that can adapt to rapidly evolving surface-to-air missile systems and advanced adversary radars. By equipping its EA-18G Growlers with this technology, the RAAF is significantly enhancing the survivability of allied 4th and 5th-generation fighters in highly contested airspaces.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB)?
The NGJ-MB (AN/ALQ-249) is an advanced airborne electronic attack system developed by Raytheon. It uses active electronically scanned arrays to disrupt and degrade enemy radar and communications.

Which aircraft will carry the NGJ-MB for Australia?
The Royal Australian Air Force will mount the NGJ-MB pods on its fleet of 11 EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft, based at RAAF Base Amberley.

What system is the NGJ replacing?
The NGJ program is designed to replace the legacy AN/ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System, which has been in service since 1972.

Sources: Raytheon Press Release