In early December 2025 the possibility emerged that a major maintenance and overhaul depot for the fifth-generation Lockheed Martin F-35 fleet could be based in Mirabel, Quebec. The proposal — led by L3Harris MAS — aims to service both Canadian jets (designated CF-35A) and potentially U.S. F-35 fighters as early as 2028-29. The plan remains conditional on government funding for security upgrades and approval from U.S. authorities.
- Background: Canada’s F-35 program and sustainment strategy
- Proposal Details: What L3Harris and Canadian Authorities Are Discussing
- Why This Matters: Strategic, Industrial, and Regional Impacts
- Sovereign Sustainment and Operational Readiness
- Economic Benefit for Canada’s Aerospace Sector
- Integration With North American Defence Infrastructure
- Policy Context: Canada’s Review of Its F-35 Commitment
- What Happens Next
Ottawa’s next steps could shape not only Canada’s air-force readiness but also the future of its aerospace industry and North American defense logistics.
Background: Canada’s F-35 program and sustainment strategy
Under the Future Fighter Capability Project, Canada committed to acquiring up to 88 F-35A jets to replace its ageing fleet of CF-18 Hornets. In November 2024 Ottawa selected L3Harris MAS of Mirabel as its strategic industrial partner to study and ultimately build a local air-vehicle depot for the new fleet.
This depot is intended for heavy maintenance, repair, overhaul, and upgrades — a critical element for ensuring long-term readiness and sovereign sustainment capacity. L3Harris already handles maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) for much of Canada’s current aircraft fleet, including CF-18s, giving it experience across structural, avionics, software, and supply-chain support.
Proposal Details: What L3Harris and Canadian Authorities Are Discussing
- L3Harris executives say the Mirabel facility could be prepared by 2028-29 — the same window when Canada expects first F-35s to arrive domestically.
- The plan foresees not only servicing CF-35As but takes aim at becoming a regional hub capable of handling U.S. F-35 jets as well, offering North American allies overflow capacity when other regional depots reach capacity.
- For Mirabel to qualify, public funding must cover significant security upgrades. The depot would likely support thousands of long-term jobs — estimates from L3Harris suggest 1,500 direct and several thousand indirect positions tied to the global F-35 sustainment network.
- Government feasibility studies remain ongoing. The depot’s viability depends heavily on Ottawa confirming the full 88-jet acquisition — partial orders reduce the business case for large-scale sustainment infrastructure.
Why This Matters: Strategic, Industrial, and Regional Impacts
Sovereign Sustainment and Operational Readiness
By hosting an air-vehicle depot domestically, Canada would reduce dependence on foreign maintenance facilities. This supports national sovereignty and preserves military readiness, especially important given the long-term operational commitments expected under North American defence arrangements.
Economic Benefit for Canada’s Aerospace Sector
If realized, the Mirabel depot could generate substantial long-term employment and industrial activity. Over the decades-long life of the F-35 fleet, Canadian firms could benefit from maintenance contracts, parts supply, upgrades, and logistic-support work. That reinforces Canada’s role in the global F-35 supply chain — a status partly earned through nearly four decades of servicing legacy jets.
Integration With North American Defence Infrastructure
Mirabel as a regional hub would allow U.S., Canadian, and allied F-35 fleets to share maintenance capacity. In peak demand periods, for example during multi-national exercises or conflict escalation, having an additional depot in Canada could relieve pressure on U.S. and foreign facilities. That adds resilience to the broader North American defense posture.
Policy Context: Canada’s Review of Its F-35 Commitment
The proposed maintenance hub comes amid renewed scrutiny of Canada’s F-35 commitment. In 2025 the government under Mark Carney ordered a review of the existing contract, signaling possible interest in alternatives.
At the same time, the industrial benefits delivered so far have drawn criticism. The government’s Industry Minister said Canadians have not received enough domestic economic value from the F-35 deal.
The depot plan therefore serves a dual purpose: helping secure long-term aerospace industry jobs and strengthening the case for staying with the F-35 fleet.
What Happens Next
As of now the Mirabel depot remains a proposal. L3Harris continues to lobby federal and provincial governments to release funds for necessary security upgrades. U.S. approval is also required before U.S. F-35s can be routed to the site.
Canada’s decision on whether to confirm the full 88-jet order will be critical. A full order improves economic feasibility and strengthens Canadian bargaining power. A reduced order or shift to alternate platforms would likely undermine the rationale for a dedicated large-scale depot.
Observers will also watch whether Ottawa uses the depot proposal as leverage to renegotiate industrial benefits with defense contractors.
