Canada is advancing its military modernization efforts by partnering with L3Harris, a Quebec-based segment, to evaluate the requirements for constructing an air force sustainment facility dedicated to the F-35 aircraft. This initiative is part of Canada’s strategic program to replace its aging fleet of CF-18 Hornets, which have been operational since the 1980s, with 88 fifth-generation CF-35A Lightning II fighter jets.
As part of this cooperative infrastructure project, L3Harris will conduct a thorough assessment of the specifics and costs involved in launching the F-35 sustainment center. The evaluation will also explore potential business opportunities that may arise once the facility is established. The selection of L3Harris for this critical project is rooted in the company’s established partnership with the Royal Canadian Air Force, wherein they have provided maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for the current fleet of CF-18 Hornets.
Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Ensuring the long-term effectiveness of newly delivered capabilities is at the core of a ready and resilient defence force.” He further added that collaborating with industry to create the new airframe maintenance depot will not only ensure the operational readiness of the CF-35A aircraft but also yield significant economic benefits for Canadian citizens.
The broader CF-35A program, which was first unveiled by Ottawa in 2022, aims to enhance Canada’s airborne capabilities in light of evolving modern threats while supporting the nation’s commitments to NORAD and NATO. In a related development, the Canadian Department of Defence began construction on a separate depot in Quebec in August 2024, intended to facilitate the upkeep of the incoming CF-35As.
Recent updates from the government reveal that the entire Lightning II program could generate over 425 million Canadian dollars (approximately $301.9 million) and create around 3,300 jobs annually over the next 25 years. The first CF-35A aircraft is anticipated to arrive in Canada next year.
Public Services and Procurement Minister Jean-Yves Duclos remarked on the broader implications of this endeavor, stating, “Today’s announcement is about building long-term capacity for our military, protecting our sovereignty, and creating jobs across the country.” He noted that the investment in the CF-35A fleet and selection of the airframe maintenance depot strategic partner highlights how modern procurement strategies can simultaneously bolster national security and drive economic growth, ensuring that the military is well-equipped to face challenges in an ever-evolving global landscape.
