This article is based on an official press release from Lockheed Martin.

Lockheed Martin Defends F-35 Economic Impact Amidst Federal Review

On January 15, 2026, Lockheed Martin released a comprehensive feature article titled “Powering Canada’s Aerospace Future: The F-35 Industrial Impact.” The release comes at a pivotal moment for Canadian defense policy, arriving shortly after Prime Minister Mark Carney ordered a formal review of the nation’s F-35 procurement program.

According to the company’s statement, the F-35 program is positioned not merely as a defense acquisition but as a critical driver of the Canadian economy. Lockheed Martin argues that the program is deeply integrated into the national supply chain, citing nearly three decades of industrial partnership that began with Canada’s initial investment in the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program in 1997.

The release appears to serve as a direct industry counter-narrative to renewed competition from Swedish manufacturer Saab, which has recently pitched its Gripen E fighter as a “made-in-Canada” alternative with domestic manufacturing guarantees.

Projected Economic Value and Job Creation

In its report, Lockheed Martin outlines significant financial benefits tied to the continued procurement of the F-35 Lightning II. The company projects that the program will generate over $15.5 billion CAD in economic value for Canada, covering production and sustainment activities through the year 2058.

A central pillar of their argument is employment. The manufacturers states:

The program supports 150,000 jobs over the lifetime of the program.

Lockheed Martin, “Powering Canada’s Aerospace Future”

It is important to note that industry figures regarding long-term job creation often refer to cumulative person-years rather than simultaneous permanent positions. However, the scale of the claim highlights the manufacturer’s intent to showcase the F-35 as a major industrial engine.

Supply Chain Integration

Lockheed Martin emphasizes that Canadian industry is already executing high-value work for the global fleet, not just for the jets Canada intends to buy. According to the release, $3.3 billion USD in contracts have already been awarded to Canadian companies. Furthermore, the company notes that approximately $3.2 million CAD worth of Canadian-manufactured components are currently installed on every F-35 aircraft flying worldwide.

Key Canadian Industry Partners

The “Industrial Impact” report highlights the involvement of over 110 Canadian companies that have contributed to the supply-chain. These partnerships span across the country, involving complex manufacturing and high-tech avionics.

Key players identified in the supply chain include:

• Magellan Aerospace (Winnipeg, MB / Toronto, ON): Responsible for manufacturing horizontal tail assemblies and engine lift system parts.
• Héroux-Devtek (Montreal, QC / Kitchener, ON): Produces landing gear uplock assemblies.
• Avcorp Industries (Delta, BC): The sole-source supplier for the F-35C outboard wing assembly.
• CMC Electronics (Montreal, QC): Supplies advanced avionics, including optical transceivers.
• L3Harris MAS (Mirabel, QC): Selected as a strategic partner for air vehicle depot maintenance.

Lockheed Martin’s data suggests that disrupting the procurement could impact these existing contracts, as Canadian participation in the global supply chain is often contingent on partner status within the JSF program.

Strategic Context: The Carney Review

This industry push coincides with a shifting political landscape. Following his election in 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney initiated a review of the F-35 deal, originally finalized in 2023 for 88 jets at a cost of $19 billion CAD. The review was prompted by changing trade dynamics with the United States and a desire to evaluate options that might offer stronger domestic industrial guarantees.

Concurrently, Saab has intensified its lobbying efforts, proposing a production hub in Canada for its Gripen E fighter. Saab claims their proposal would create 12,600 jobs linked to a specific purchase of 72 Gripens and 6 GlobalEye surveillance aircraft.

AirPro News Analysis

The Battle Between Sovereignty and Integration

The release of this report by Lockheed Martin underscores the fundamental tension in Canada’s defense procurement strategy: the choice between sovereign manufacturing and global integration.

Saab’s pitch relies on the concept of “sovereignty”, the ability to build and maintain aircraft entirely within Canadian borders, independent of foreign supply chains. In contrast, Lockheed Martin is leveraging the argument of “integration.” By highlighting that Canadian parts are on all 1,270+ F-35s delivered globally, they are arguing that Canada’s aerospace sector is better served by being a small but essential cog in a massive allied machine rather than the sole builder of a smaller fleet.

The risk for the Carney government lies in the “sunk cost” of industrial participation. If Canada were to withdraw from the F-35 program, the 110+ companies currently bidding on U.S. and global contracts could lose their eligibility, potentially endangering the high-tech manufacturing base that has developed over the last 30 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Canada join the F-35 program?

Canada joined the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program as a partner in 1997, with an initial investment of $10 million USD.

How many jobs does Lockheed Martin claim the program supports?

Lockheed Martin claims the program supports 150,000 jobs over its lifetime (through 2058). This figure is generally understood in the industry to represent cumulative person-years.

What is the status of the F-35 procurement?

While an agreement to purchase 88 jets was finalized in 2023, the Carney government ordered a review of the program in late 2025/early 2026.

Sources

• Lockheed Martin

This article is based on an official press release from Airbus and details from the 2026 Budget Statement reported by local media.

Ghana Modernizes Air Wing with Strategic Order for Four Airbus Helicopters

The Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Ghana has signed a contract for the acquisition of four Airbus helicopters, marking a significant step in the modernization of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF). The deal, confirmed on January 15, 2026, includes two H175M military helicopters and two corporate variants, one ACH175 and one ACH160.

According to the official press release from Airbus, this acquisition represents the first order for these specific multi-mission models by Ghana and signals the manufacturer’s return to the Ghanaian market. The agreement is designed to enhance the nation’s capabilities in search and rescue (SAR), troop transport, and executive aviation.

Deal Structure and Financial Framework

The contract covers four aircraft intended to serve distinct operational roles within the Ghanaian government and military. The selection includes:

• 2x H175M: A super-medium class military helicopter derived from the civil H175.
• 1x ACH175: A corporate version designed for high-comfort executive transport.
• 1x ACH160: A next-generation corporate helicopter noted for its advanced technology.

While the Airbus press release focused on the technical and partnership aspects of the deal, details regarding the financial structure were outlined in the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy presented to the Ghanaian Parliament. According to reports by CitiNewsroom and Graphic Online summarizing the budget presentation by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the purchase is fully financed by the Government of Ghana.

The payment structure, as detailed in parliamentary disclosures, involves a four-year plan. This includes an initial installment of €62.5 million, with subsequent payments scheduled for May 2026, March 2027, and December 2028. This funding aligns with the government’s broader defense modernization plan to re-equip the GAF with modern assets.

Operational Capabilities and Roles

H175M: Expanding Military Utility

The H175M is the militarized variant of the H175, a platform that has seen extensive use in the civil sector. For Ghana, these units will perform critical multi-mission duties. Airbus states that the primary roles for these aircraft will include troop transport, emergency medical services (EMS), search and rescue, and disaster relief operations.

This order places Ghana among the first nations to adopt the H175M, following Spain’s decision to become the launch customer for the variant in late 2025. The aircraft is designed to combine long-range endurance with a high payload capacity, making it suitable for the diverse geography of West Africa.

VIP and Corporate Transport

The acquisition also refreshes the government’s executive transport fleet. The ACH160 is part of the Airbus Corporate Helicopters line and is described by the manufacturer as the world’s most technologically advanced helicopter, boasting 68 new patents. Key features include a cabin with 20% greater volume per passenger compared to previous medium-twin helicopters and significantly larger windows.

Arnaud Montalvo, Head of Africa and Middle East Region for Airbus Helicopters, emphasized the versatility of the selected fleet in a statement:

“The commitment from Ghana marks the return of Airbus Helicopters to the country with a defined focus on customer support and partnership. We are particularly excited that the H175M will be operated in Ghana, demonstrating the aircraft’s versatility across defence and security missions. This key deal also makes Ghana a leading customer in West Africa for our premium corporate helicopters, the ACH160 and ACH175.”

Strategic Context

AirPro News Analysis

This procurement represents a strategic pivot for Ghana’s air defense capabilities. By selecting the H175M, Ghana is moving toward a super-medium platform that bridges the gap between lighter utility helicopters and heavy transport aircraft. This category offers a balance of cost-efficiency and range that is increasingly popular among defense ministries facing budget constraints but high operational demands.

Furthermore, the inclusion of the ACH160 and ACH175 suggests a standardization of maintenance and training protocols, as the H175M and ACH175 share significant commonality. This family approach to procurement can reduce long-term sustainment costs, a critical factor for the Ghana Armed Forces as they seek to maximize the lifespan of these new assets.

The deal also reinforces Airbus’s footprint in West Africa, a region where competition from other manufacturers has been intense. By securing Ghana as a reference customer for the H175M so soon after the Spanish launch order, Airbus strengthens the narrative that this platform is a viable global successor to aging medium-lift fleets.

Sources:

• Airbus Press Release
• CitiNewsroom (Budget details)
• Graphic Online (Parliamentary reporting)
• Flight Global (Industry context)

This article is based on an official press release from Air Force Global Strike Command.

MH-139A Grey Wolf Completes Historic First Operational ICBM Convoy Mission

The U.S. Air Force has achieved a significant milestone in its nuclear modernization efforts. According to an official press release from Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), two MH-139A Grey Wolf Helicopters successfully completed their first operational Minuteman III ICBM convoy security mission on January 8, 2026.

The mission, executed by the 40th Helicopter Squadron (40 HS) at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, marks the beginning of a critical transition period. The service is moving away from the Vietnam-era UH-1N Huey fleet toward the modern Grey Wolf platform to secure the nation’s land-based nuclear deterrent.

Operational Success Without Refueling

The January 8 mission profile required the aircraft to escort a column of missile maintenance and armored security vehicles to a launch facility located more than 100 miles east of Malmstrom AFB. According to mission data released by the Air Force, the two MH-139As completed the six-hour movement without needing to refuel, a capability the legacy UH-1N Huey lacked for distances of this magnitude.

Maj. Nicholas Smith, an MH-139 pilot with the 40th Helicopter Squadron, noted the immediate operational benefits of the new airframe.

“The performance of the helicopter was impressive… The MH-139 integrated seamlessly and provided an immediate increase in helicopter support capabilities.”

Maj. Nicholas Smith, 40th Helicopter Squadron

The pilots reported that improved Avionics and Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) systems significantly enhanced situational awareness, allowing for better coordination with the ground force commander throughout the movement.

A Generational Leap in Capability

The transition to the MH-139A represents a major upgrade in performance metrics for the 20th Air Force. Data provided by AFGSC indicates that the Grey Wolf offers approximately 50 percent greater speed and range compared to the UH-1N Huey. Additionally, the new aircraft doubles the troop capacity, allowing for the deployment of a larger Tactical Response Force in a single lift.

Maj. Gen. Stacy Huser, Commander of the 20th Air Force, emphasized the long-term impact of this modernization effort in a statement regarding the mission.

“Executing our first convoy mission with two MH-139s marks a significant step forward in strengthening our missile security operations. The MH-139 allows us to continue supporting our ICBM enterprise for decades to come with increased speed, range and lift.”

Maj. Gen. Stacy Huser, Commander, 20th Air Force

AirPro News Analysis

The Tactical Advantage of Endurance

While the speed and lift capacity of the MH-139A are often highlighted, the endurance demonstrated in this mission is perhaps the most tactically significant improvement for convoy security. In previous operations using the UH-1N Huey, covering a 13,800-square-mile missile complex often required refueling stops. Every refueling stop creates a potential gap in aerial coverage or necessitates complex logistical coordination to ensure continuous overhead security.

By completing a six-hour mission unrefueled, the Grey Wolf demonstrates it can maintain a persistent “loiter” presence over high-value assets. This reduces the logistical footprint of security operations and ensures that the convoy remains under constant aerial surveillance, minimizing vulnerability windows during transit.

Strategic Context and Future Integration

This mission serves as a validation of the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) being developed as the Air Force prepares for Full Operational Capability (FOC). The 341st Missile Wing, which maintains the Minuteman III ICBMs, relies on these aerial assets for emergency response and routine security.

Col. Daniel Voorhies, Commander of the 341st Missile Wing, highlighted the necessity of this upgrade for nuclear surety.

“Our ICBM mission is the foundation of strategic deterrence, and it demands absolute reliability, security, and readiness. The MH-139 strengthens nuclear surety by giving our Airmen a more capable platform to protect our forces as they carry out the nation’s most imperative mission, 24/7/365.”

Col. Daniel Voorhies, Commander, 341st Missile Wing

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The 582nd Helicopter Group continues to oversee the standardization of the Grey Wolf program across the three missile wings located at Malmstrom, Minot, and F.E. Warren Air-Forces Bases. As the Air Force prepares to transition from the Minuteman III to the future LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM, the MH-139A will serve as the primary aerial security platform.

Sources

• Air Force Global Strike Command