Post by : Meena
Hassan
Firms involved in the F-35 program are urging both the federal and Quebec governments to highlight the potential economic advantages, including establishing a maintenance hub near Montreal. These prospects rely on Canada deciding to buy the entire fleet of 88 aircraft.
L3Harris Technologies Canada is positioning its Mirabel facility as a servicing center for both Canadian and U.S. F-35 fleets, pending governmental support for security enhancements and approval from the U.S. The company currently manages the maintenance of Canada’s CF-18 jets, which are being retired.
“We aim to be prepared to receive U.S. F-35s by 2028-29,” stated Richard Foster, vice president of L3Harris and former major-general of the RCAF. Upgrades to the facility may require an investment of up to $200 million and are projected to secure about 1,500 direct jobs and an additional 3,500 indirect jobs.
Currently, Ottawa has committed to purchasing merely 16 jets, leaving the rest of the order up in the air. There is also consideration for Saab’s Gripen jets, which could potentially be assembled in Canada.
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly underscored the government’s objective of maximizing economic outcomes from military purchases. Lockheed Martin has indicated that Canada's industrial benefits will largely depend on the total number of jets procured.
The Quebec government is attentively evaluating both alternatives, searching for initiatives that significantly contribute to local economic development.
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