The federal government has contracted Calgary-based Harris Canada Inc. for avionics maintenance of its CF-18 fighter jets until their replacements are ready to fly.
Defence Minister Peter MacKay says the contract allows Canada to keep the CF-18's flying until the new F-35 Lightning II takes to the skies.
The competitive contract, valued at $273.8-million, covers the repair, overhaul, engineering, management and life-cycle support of the electronic systems on the CF-18s.
Public Works Minister Rona Ambrose says the contract will support high quality jobs in the area.
More than 40 full-time positions will be maintained in Calgary annually for the duration of the up to nine year contract.
The CF-18 fleet is scheduled to be retired and replaced by the F-35 fighter aircraft in 2020.
Jim Prentice, regional minister for Southern Alberta says the contract will help strengthen the aerospace industry in the region “for years to come.”
