Lockheed Martin officials coming to Canada to tout maintenance plan for F-35s

Senior executives from Lockheed st. Martin testament be in quebec city on tues to reassert that they plan to service Canada's F-35 aircraft at the L3Harris facilities in Mirabel, which are currently used to maintain Canada's CF-18 fleet.

The announcement will be their first major outing on Canadian soil since Prime Minister Mark Carney announced last year that he was reviewing the government’s plans to purchase 88 F-35s. 

Sources said Lockheed Martin will try to avoid making waves on the highly political and complex file, but will reiterate plans to fulfil its commitment to service Canadian aircraft in Canada.

Canada ordered a total of 88 F-35s for the Royal Canadian Air Force in 2023, but the government decided to reassess its options after U.S. President Donald Trump took office and increased trade and political friction with the Canadian government. 

Among other things, the government is considering a mixed fleet of fighter jets composed of F-35s as well as Swedish Gripens.

Several politicians have been invited to Tuesday's event in Mirabel, but National Defence Minister David McGuinty and Industry Minister Mélanie Joly do not plan to attend. Senior American executives from Lockheed Martin and L3Harris are expected at the event.

In its media advisory, Lockheed Martin said its agreement with L3Harris "will provide Canada with greater control over aircraft maintenance, reduce reliance on overseas logistics and enhance operational readiness."

L3Harris is still trying to convince the governments of Canada and Quebec to offer funding to help modernize its facilities in Mirabel. The company has said thousands of jobs in the region are at stake.

L3Harris is hoping to transform its Mirabel facilities, which are currently used to service CF-18s, into a maintenance depot for Canadian and American F-35s.

L3Harris estimates the modernization plans will cost about $200 million, primarily to enhance security.

The Quebec government has signaled that it would be willing to invest in the project, which has the support of the Bloc Québécois.

"Aircraft maintenance is value-added work. Planes are disassembled and reassembled, so it’s cutting-edge expertise," said Jean-Denis Garon, the Bloc Québécois MP for the riding of Mirabel.

"Ottawa needs to apply to be a North American regional depot, rather than just a Canadian national depot."

Reporter

Daniel Leblanc is a reporter with more than 20 years experience in investigative journalism and federal politics. He is a past winner of the Michener Award, the Charles Lynch Award and three National Newspaper Awards.

---

---