Approximately 30 Canadian companies currently provide parts and technologies for the F-35 program. These contributions amount to about $3.2 million in Canadian components integrated into each aircraft produced.
LHM Technologies Inc., a Solestra Group company, joined the F-35 program in 2021. The company has more than 45 years of experience manufacturing complex aerospace and defense components, assemblies, and sub-assemblies.
Since entering the program, LHM has been responsible for producing complex landing gear assemblies and related components. These parts support the growing fleet of F-35 fighter aircraft operating worldwide.
The company currently employs 97 people in Canada who contribute to the F-35 program. Participation in the program has also supported workforce expansion, with employment increasing by 17 percent since LHM joined the supply chain.
Katarina Gotovac, Vice President at LHM Technologies, said the program has helped maintain stable employment and skills development within the company. “The long-term nature of the F-35 program has supported stable employment across engineering, manufacturing, quality and program support roles, while enabling continued investment in employee training and advanced capabilities.”
According to the company, the economic impact of the F-35 program extends beyond its own facilities. LHM’s involvement has also supported additional work throughout its domestic supplier network.
Gotovac said participation in the program has strengthened the company’s industrial capabilities and competitiveness. “Working on the F-35 program has helped strengthen LHM’s competitiveness, supported Canadian aerospace and defence expertise and generated economic activity through our domestic supply chain.”
She also highlighted how the program’s global reach creates additional opportunities for Canadian companies. “The program’s global scope has also enabled our organization to pursue further international opportunities.”
Canadian participation in the F-35 program places domestic firms within an international network of aerospace manufacturers. This position enables companies such as LHM to compete for further work supporting the expanding fleet.
As the number of F-35 aircraft in service continues to grow worldwide, supply chain partners are expected to remain engaged in long-term production and sustainment activities. Canadian companies involved in the program are therefore positioned to compete for additional contracts linked to future aircraft manufacturing and maintenance.
Source: Lockheed Martin Canada.
