Stelia Aerospace in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia are keeping a keen eye on negotiations between Lockheed Martin and the Canadian Government as it could mean more work for them.
They already produce composite panels that are used in F-35 fighter jets, however, all of the panels they’ve produced to date have been used on foreign fighter jets.
That could all be changing in the near future according to Stelia CEO Andre Gagnon, “We already have a great relationship with Lockheed Martin and have proven our ability to produce quality products, so if the negotiations move forward we would expect to be involved in some production,”.
The Canadian Government has already earmarked $17 billion to purchase 88 F-35s, however as is the normal procedure they selected the aircraft prior to entering negotiations and it is still possible for the deal to be scrapped.
Despite Stelia being an aerospace company, which comes with the perception of having large expensive factories Gagnon says his company fits right in, in Lunenburg, “People often think we are some high-tech facility but our panels are produced much like the ships were here, by hand by locals who are passionate about what they do.”
Not only would the contract be good for business, but Gagnon also says there is a particular sense of pride associated with helping build aircraft that will be used by the Canadian military and his company is eager to become a part of the production team.
