MIRABEL, Quebec, April 21, 2026 — MAS, a subsidiary of L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX), and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) have unveiled a new partnership aimed at establishing an F-35 Air Vehicle Depot in Canada.
This initiative follows Canada’s selection of MAS as a strategic partner for CF-35 sustainment. The agreement will result in the creation of a joint executive steering committee tasked with defining depot capabilities, workforce training programs, and sustainment solutions. This collaboration is set to enhance Canada’s ability to manage aircraft upkeep domestically while fostering the creation of high-skilled jobs.
“Depot-level sustainment means Canada’s aerospace workforce will perform the same advanced maintenance currently done in only a handful of locations worldwide,” stated Jason Lambert, President of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance at L3Harris. “Our 40-year heritage in fighter sustainment, combined with Lockheed Martin’s expertise in 5th Generation aircraft, positions this partnership as timely and strategic.”
The depot is expected to form the cornerstone of an industrial ecosystem comprising around 30 Canadian suppliers, with each jet contributing approximately $3.2 million to the broader economy across the global fleet of over 1,325 F-35s.
“This collaboration fulfills Canada’s need to cultivate in-country sustainment capability, enabling independent operations and maintenance of the Canadian F-35 fleet,” noted Chauncey McIntosh, Vice President and General Manager for the F‑35 Program at Lockheed Martin. “Leveraging Lockheed Martin’s experience in establishing sustainment capabilities globally, our partnership with MAS is projected to enhance fleet readiness, air superiority, and deliver increased economic advantages.”
The F-35 remains a critical asset in allied air power, with 20 nations committed to acquiring more than 3,500 aircraft. L3Harris, one of Canada’s largest defense and security firms, has supported the country’s aerospace and defense sectors for over sixty years.
About L3Harris Technologies
L3Harris is a trusted disruptor in defense technology. With an unwavering focus on mission-critical needs, our team delivers comprehensive technology solutions across space, air, land, sea, and cyber domains to enhance national security. For more information, visit L3Harris.com.
About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology leader driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies, ensuring the organizations we serve stay ahead of emerging challenges. Learn more at lockheedmartin.com.
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Photo Caption: MAS and Lockheed Martin formalize a strategic partnership to establish an F-35 depot in Canada, signed by MAS General Manager Ugo Paniconi and F-35 Customer Programs Vice President Marshall Shepard. Also pictured are ISR President Jason Lambert and F-35 Lightning II Program Vice President and General Manager Chauncey McIntosh.
Source: L3Harris (2026-04-21)
