Companies participating in the F-35 program are actively engaging with the Canadian and Quebec governments to highlight potential economic advantages for the country. They are particularly emphasizing the establishment of maintenance facilities located north of Montreal. However, these benefits are contingent on the government fulfilling its full order commitment.
The proposed facilities could cater to both Canadian and American fighter fleets if public funding is allocated for security enhancements and the American authorities approve the proposal. Industry sources, including a representative from L3Harris, a Canadian defense company, suggest that it is increasingly probable for the Americans to utilize the company’s Mirabel, Quebec site for maintaining a portion of their fleet.
Richard Foster, Vice President of L3Harris Technologies Canada, expressed that having U.S. F-35 fighter jets in Mirabel is crucial for the site’s viability. L3Harris currently supports the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CF-18 fleet in Mirabel, which is expected to be phased out soon.
Foster indicated that preparations must be made to accommodate the first U.S. F-35s by 2028-29. L3Harris was designated as Canada’s “strategic partner” for F-35 maintenance last year.
As the government revises its fighter jet plans, discussions surrounding the economic benefits linked to the Canadian acquisition of a full fleet of 88 aircraft have emerged. While Ottawa is committed to procuring 16 jets currently, the fate of the remaining order remains uncertain. The potential acquisition of Gripen fighter jets, which could be assembled in Canada according to Saab, is also being considered.
The ongoing debate between F-35 proponents and Gripen advocates revolves around the technical performance of each aircraft and the economic advantages they bring to Canada. Canada is gearing up to receive its initial F-35s next year, with major maintenance work not anticipated until 2031, according to Foster.
L3Harris is seeking approximately $200 million for facility upgrades, primarily for security enhancements, to secure 1,500 direct and 3,500 indirect jobs in the long term. The realization of the Mirabel project is contingent on Canada acquiring the full fleet of 88 F-35s and the U.S. confirming the Mirabel facilities as an “overflow” center.
Lockheed Martin and L3Harris have been engaging with Canadian government representatives, emphasizing the economic benefits associated with their projects. Minister of Industry Mélanie Joly mentioned that the government is exploring the possibility of transitioning to Gripen if Lockheed Martin fails to enhance its economic offer for Canada.
Lockheed Martin has highlighted that economic benefits in Canada will align with the number of F-35s ultimately procured. The Quebec government is evaluating the potential advantages of L3Harris’s Mirabel project while also considering the benefits from acquiring Gripen fighter jets.
Quebec’s Minister of Economy, Christine Fréchette’s spokesperson, Catherine Pelletier, stressed the importance of projects that will benefit Quebec and mentioned that the decision on fighter jets is primarily a federal responsibility.