F-35: Gastops’ role in the F-35 program – Fighter Jet

How Canadian-made Technology Monitors the Health of the F-35 Fighter Jet

Since 2002, Ottawa-based Gastops has played a critical role in the F-35 program as part of Lockheed Martin’s global supplier network, delivering advanced health-monitoring technologies that help keep the aircraft mission ready. Gastops’ contributions have included a real-time, online, full-flow oil debris monitoring system, as well as a blade health monitoring sensor that measures fan blade tip clearance and tip timing. Together, these systems enable continuous insight into the aircraft’s structural health, allowing potential issues to be identified and addressed before they affect performance or safety.

Supporting High-value Canadian Jobs

Approximately 30 employees support Gastops’ F-35 contract through engineering, manufacturing and application roles, driving high-value employment and contributing to job growth across Canadian facilities.

“In the last few years, the aerospace industry has been subjected to many different challenges, most notably volatility in both product demand and supply chains,” says Craig Levia, Director of Manufacturing, Gastops. “The F-35 program has been steady and stable throughout its duration, which has not only enabled Gastops to better navigate these recent challenges, but to grow and mature as an aerospace supplier.”

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Building Capability Through Long-term Partnership

Since joining the F-35 program, Gastops has secured additional high-profile defence contracts and Industrial and Technological Benefits funding. That investment is now advancing next-generation engine predictive maintenance technologies for the F-35 and validating new capabilities for military and commercial use, including the F-35’s F135 engine.

“The success of the F-35 program globally, and our inclusion as a critical technology on the aircraft, has enabled Gastops to grow our leadership within the global community of intelligent condition monitoring,” says Shaun Horning, President and CEO, Gastops. “Being a supplier to the F-35 gives Gastops instant credibility in the aerospace industry, and it opens doors for us that otherwise might not be open.”

Sustaining Capability Into the Future

As the global F-35 program grows, so does Canadian involvement in the production of the world’s most advanced fighter jet.

For Gastops, this translates into new contract opportunities, more Canadian jobs and the continued strengthening of its reputation as a leading authority in aerospace and defence technologies.

“Beyond the direct economic impact, Gastops’ participation on the F-35 program has strengthened our competitive position across both commercial and military aerospace markets, enabling us to secure new programs and partnerships. It has also fostered collaborative research and development initiatives that advance our existing technologies while supporting the pursuit of new capabilities,” said Daniel Obedi, Vice President, Aerospace Platforms Business Unit, Gastops. 

With approximately 30 active Canadian suppliers today and the continued opportunity to bid on work at best value, the program, if fulfilled, is expected to produce over $15.5B CAD in industrial value for Canada through 2058.