The Pratt & Whitney F135 turbofan engine stands at the top of its class, deployed exclusively on Lockheed Martin’s F‑35 Lightning II in its three variants (A, B, and C). Under thrust, it delivers up to 28,800 pounds (128.1 kN) of dry power and a staggering 43,000 pounds (191.3 kN) when using afterburner—setting the record for the highest thrust ever recorded in a fighter jet engine  .

Developed from the earlier F119 engine used on the F‑22 Raptor, the F135 delivers superior performance, deep integration with stealth features, and unmatched reliability. It’s not only powerful but also highly efficient and advanced, supporting major Block 4 upgrades involving increased electrical power, weapon systems, and cooling capacity  .

Compared to other top-tier engines, including Russia’s AL‑41F1 powering the Su‑57 jet (with roughly 33,000 lb thrust in afterburner), the F135’s thrust output remains unmatched by operational standards  .

The F135’s dominance is reflected in global deployment—over 1,200 F‑35 jets have been delivered worldwide, powered by more than 1,300 F135 engines, solidifying its position as the most powerful and widely used fighter jet engine in modern service  .

Why it matters:

• Exceptional raw power—43,000 lbf thrust—provides unmatched speed and combat capability.

• Embedded in fifth-generation stealth design, enabling supercruise, advanced maneuverability, and integrated avionics.

• Mission-ready—built for durability, uptime, and adaptability across F‑35 variants.

In short, the Pratt & Whitney F135 is recognized globally as the most powerful fighter jet engine ever deployed, defined by its cutting-edge performance, advanced engineering, and broad operational footprint.