Companies participating in the F-35 program are actively engaging with the Canadian and Quebec governments to highlight potential economic advantages for the nation, such as establishing maintenance facilities in northern Montreal. These benefits are contingent on the government fulfilling its complete order.
The proposed facilities could cater to both Canadian and American fighter fleets, provided that public funds are allocated for security enhancements and the American authorities approve the proposal. Insiders from the Canadian defense industry, including a representative from L3Harris, indicated a growing likelihood that the Americans might use the company’s site in Mirabel, Quebec, to maintain a portion of their fleet.
Richard Foster, the vice-president of L3Harris Technologies Canada, emphasized the mutual benefits for North American defense, with Canada enhancing its support for NORAD and offering surplus capacity to service F-35s when needed by the U.S. Foster, a former major-general in the Royal Canadian Air Force, mentioned the importance of hosting U.S. F-35 fighter jets in Mirabel to ensure the facility’s economic viability. L3Harris currently supports the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CF-18 fleet in Mirabel, which is undergoing phase-out.
Designated as Canada’s “strategic partner” for F-35 maintenance, L3Harris is looking to prepare for hosting the initial U.S. F-35s by 2028-29. However, the realization of this plan is subject to governmental negotiations, aiming to secure the necessary agreements for business operations.
While the Carney government is reevaluating its fighter jet procurement strategy, proponents of the F-35 argue that the economic benefits hinge on Canada acquiring the full fleet of 88 aircraft. Presently, Ottawa has committed to purchasing 16 jets, leaving the fate of the remaining order uncertain. Concurrently, the government explores the potential acquisition of Gripen fighter jets, with Saab suggesting the possibility of assembling them in Canada.
The ongoing debate between F-35 advocates and Gripen proponents centers on the technical performance of each aircraft and the economic advantages they bring to Canada. Canadian delivery of the first F-35s is slated to commence next year, with substantial maintenance expected to begin in 2031. Foster mentioned that Canadian F-35s are likely to occupy five out of 24 maintenance slots.
Lockheed Martin representatives are anticipated to inspect the Mirabel facilities shortly. Foster estimated that upgrading the facilities to accommodate the F-35s may cost up to $200 million, primarily for security enhancements. L3Harris is seeking financial support from the Canadian and Quebec governments to safeguard 1,500 direct and 3,500 indirect jobs in the long term.
For the Mirabel project to advance, Canada must commit to procuring the full 88 F-35s, and the U.S. must confirm the utilization of the Mirabel facilities as an “overflow” center. Other countries like Italy, Japan, and Australia already have regional depots for F-35 maintenance.
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