News
L-3 announces sustainment alliance for F-35s

Nov. 2, 2010, Mirabel, Que. – L-3 MAS and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
announced today the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) as
part of planning for future in-country support of the F-35. In July,
the Canadian Government announced plans to procure 65 F-35 aircraft
which will be delivered, commencing in 2016.

"The Government of Canada's commitment to purchase the F-35 aircraft under the Joint Strike Fighter program is continuing to open up significant opportunities for Canadian aerospace firms," said the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry.  "The MOU signed between L-3 MAS and Lockheed Martin is further recognition of the high-skill, high-quality work that Canadian employees produce."

Sylvain Bédard, president of L-3 MAS, and Tom Burbage, executive vice president and general manager of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, signed the MOU, establishing the opportunity for L-3 MAS to support Lockheed Martin in the development and implementation of a Canadian F-35 sustainment plan in accordance with the needs and direction of the Government of Canada. Any potential sustainment subcontracts on the program will be awarded based on a best-value determination.

"L-3 MAS looks forward to the opportunity to support Canada's F-35s," said Sylvain Bédard. "We are confident in our ability to provide best value and reliable support for this impressive fifth-generation aircraft."

As the Fighter Center of Excellence for Canada, L-3 MAS offers a wealth of capabilities and experience that can be leveraged to support Canadian F-35 operations and sustainment. Lockheed Martin is currently working with the Department of National Defense (DND) to determine how F-35 sustainment will be delivered in Canada.

L-3 MAS will continue its collaboration with Lockheed Martin throughout the System Development and Demonstration phase of the program to highlight the support capabilities it can provide for the Canadian fleet of F-35s.