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.