Lockheed Martin and L3Harris Technologies (through its Canadian division MAS) have agreed to expand their collaboration to establish an F-35 maintenance depot in Mirabel, Quebec, supporting Canada’s objective of strengthening domestic sustainment capabilities for its future fighter fleet.
The agreement includes the formation of a joint executive steering committee tasked with defining facility capabilities, workforce development initiatives, and long-term service support strategies. This move follows MAS being named a strategic partner for the CF-35, the Royal Canadian Air Force’s version of the F-35 Lightning II, with plans to acquire up to 88 aircraft to replace the aging CF-18 fleet.
The initiative is also aimed at reinforcing national sovereignty in defense sustainment. The planned depot will connect with a domestic supply chain of approximately 30 companies, with contributions estimated at $3.2 million per aircraft across the global F-35 fleet, which currently exceeds 1,300 units.
Canada is expected to receive its first batch of 16 CF-35 aircraft by 2026, while authorities continue assessing procurement decisions for long-lead components related to an additional 14 jets.
