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 maintenance facilities located 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 fleets if public funds are allocated for security enhancements and American authorities approve the proposal. Multiple sources within the Canadian defense industry, including a representative from L3Harris, indicated a growing likelihood of the Americans utilizing the company’s site in Mirabel, Quebec, for maintaining a portion of their fleet.
Richard Foster, vice president of L3Harris Technologies Canada, emphasized the strategic importance of Canada enhancing its defense capabilities in collaboration with the U.S. He highlighted the significance of assisting the U.S. by providing surplus capacity to service F-35s when needed, portraying it as a mutually beneficial arrangement for North American defense.
To ensure the viability of the Mirabel site, Foster stressed the necessity of accommodating U.S. F-35 fighter jets by 2028-29. L3Harris, designated as Canada’s “strategic partner” for F-35 maintenance, currently supports the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CF-18 fleet in Mirabel.
While the Canadian government revisits its fighter jet plans, advocates for the F-35 emphasize that the economic benefits hinge on the acquisition of the full fleet of 88 aircraft. Presently, Ottawa is committed to purchasing 16 jets, leaving the fate of the remaining order uncertain. Discussions revolve around the technical performance and economic advantages of the F-35 versus the Gripen, with both sides vying for favorable considerations in Canada’s military procurement decisions.
The potential delivery of the first Canadian F-35s next year indicates that major maintenance work will not be required until 2031. Foster projected that Canadian F-35s would occupy a fraction of the maintenance slots available. Lockheed Martin representatives are expected to inspect the Mirabel facilities shortly.
Securing funding for facility upgrades, estimated at around $200 million primarily for security reinforcement, is crucial for L3Harris to sustain 1,500 direct and 3,500 indirect jobs in the long run. The successful advancement of the Mirabel project hinges on Canada’s acquisition of the full 88 F-35s and the U.S. confirming the use of the Mirabel facilities as an “overflow” center.
Italy, Japan, and Australia already host regional depots for F-35 maintenance, positioning Canada to potentially become a North American regional depot with a complete order of 88 jets. Lobbying efforts by Lockheed Martin and L3Harris have intensified, involving engagements with Canadian government officials to advocate for their respective positions.
Minister of Industry Mélanie Joly emphasized the government’s interest in maximizing economic benefits from military acquisitions and hinted at a potential shift to the Gripen if Lockheed Martin fails to enhance its economic proposal for Canada. Lockheed Martin has emphasized that economic benefits in Canada are tied to the final number of F-35s acquired, suggesting that benefits may diminish with a reduced order.
Quebec authorities are monitoring L3Harris’s Mirabel project while also assessing potential benefits from the purchase of Gripen fighter jets. Although the decision on fighter jets falls under federal jurisdiction, Quebec remains vigilant about projects that could positively impact the province.
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**Source**: *[link](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/f-35-maintenance-quebec-9.7004592)*