Companies participating in the F-35 initiative are actively engaging with the Canadian and Quebec governments to highlight potential economic advantages for the nation, notably the establishment of maintenance facilities in the north of Montreal. However, these benefits are contingent on the government fulfilling its complete order.
The proposed facilities could cater to both Canadian and American fighter aircraft, subject to public funding for security enhancements and approval from the U.S. Several sources in the Canadian defense sector, including a representative from L3Harris, indicated a growing likelihood that the U.S. might utilize the company’s site in Mirabel, Quebec, for maintaining a segment of their fleet.
Richard Foster, the vice president of L3Harris Technologies Canada, expressed that hosting U.S. F-35 jets in Mirabel is crucial for the site’s sustainability. L3Harris presently supports the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CF-18 fleet in Mirabel, which is scheduled for replacement. Foster aims to be prepared for receiving the initial U.S. F-35s by 2028-29, subject to government negotiations.
Last year, L3Harris was designated as Canada’s “strategic partner” for F-35 maintenance. As the Canadian government reviews its fighter jet strategies, advocates for the F-35 stress that the economic benefits hinge on Canada procuring the full fleet of 88 aircraft, despite the current commitment to acquiring only 16 jets.
The ongoing debate between F-35 supporters and proponents of the Gripen centers on the technical capabilities of each aircraft and the economic advantages they offer to Canada. Foster mentioned that Canadian F-35s are not expected to require significant maintenance until 2031, with the potential for five out of 24 maintenance slots to cater to them.
L3Harris is seeking government funding, estimated at $200 million primarily for security enhancements, to secure 1,500 direct and 3,500 indirect jobs in the long term. However, the realization of the Mirabel project is contingent on Canada purchasing the full 88 F-35s and the U.S. confirming the usage of the Mirabel facilities as an overflow center. Similar depots are already operational in Italy, Japan, and Australia.
Lockheed Martin and L3Harris have engaged in multiple discussions with Canadian government representatives lately, emphasizing the economic benefits tied to the F-35 acquisition. Minister of Industry Mélanie Joly hinted at considering the Gripen option if Lockheed Martin fails to enhance its economic proposal for Canada.
Lockheed Martin has underscored that the economic benefits in Canada would be proportional to the number of F-35s acquired, potentially diminishing if the order falls below 88 aircraft. Quebec is evaluating the benefits of L3Harris’s Mirabel project and the prospective Gripen acquisition for the province.
The decision on fighter jets rests with the federal government, but Quebec is closely monitoring the situation to ensure projects that will be advantageous for the province.
