During the initial phase of the project, L3Harris is undertaking modifications on 94 Canadian CF-188 fighter jets to address regulatory and interoperability requirements.
L3Harris, a trusted name in the aerospace industry, has reached a significant milestone by delivering the first fighter aircraft as part of the Hornet Extension Project (HEP) from its Canadian fighter aircraft center of excellence facility in Mirabel, Canada. The HEP, a crucial two-phased initiative, aims to ensure that Canada’s McDonnell Douglas CF-188 Hornet fleet can effectively meet operational commitments, including those to the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), until the F-35 next-generation fighter aircraft becomes fully operational in 2032.
During the initial phase of the project, L3Harris is undertaking modifications on 94 CF-188s to address regulatory and interoperability requirements. These upgrades will enable the CF-188s to continue using civilian airspace in the future while ensuring seamless coordination and compatibility with Canada’s allied forces. The second phase of the project will involve enhancing the combat capability of 36 CF-188s through additional hardware and software upgrades, guaranteeing their operational viability until their end of service.
“L3Harris is Canada’s only fighter aircraft center of excellence,” said Ugo Paniconi, General Manager, L3Harris. “This contract is a testament to our ongoing performance and commitment to our customers’ mission. For over three decades, we have proudly maintained Canada’s only fighter aircraft fleet and we look forward to the opportunity of continuing our rich legacy of ISS on Canada’s future F-35 fleet,” he further added.
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has shown unwavering trust in L3Harris for over 35 years, relying on the company’s industry-leading in-service support expertise to sustain its fighter aircraft fleet. L3Harris has executed significant structural life-extension and systems modernization work, ensuring the operational relevance of Canada’s fighter fleet while maximizing the value of the country’s investment in the platform. The company’s commitment to providing sustainment services extends to other vital aircraft fleets, including the CC-150 Polaris, CP-140 Aurora, CH-148 Cyclone, CH-147F Chinook, CT-114 Tutor (Snowbirds), and the incoming CC-330 fleet as part of the Canadian government’s Strategic Tanker Transport Capability project.
As a global leader in developing and implementing fighter structural modifications and life-extension solutions, L3Harris has earned accolades for successfully completing major depot-level programs for the Royal Australian Air Force and the U.S. Navy. Additionally, the company has provided valuable support to other fighter users, including the Swiss Air Force, the Finnish Air Force, and NASA.
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The successful delivery of the first fighter aircraft as part of the Hornet Extension Project reaffirms L3Harris’ position as a key player in the aerospace industry. The company’s contributions to Canada’s fighter fleet exemplify its expertise and dedication to maintaining and enhancing the operational capabilities of military aircraft. As the project progresses, L3Harris will undoubtedly continue to demonstrate its commitment to excellence, making significant contributions to the nation’s defense capabilities and global alliances.
