Canadian Expertise on the Global F-35 Program: Aversan’s Software Testing

Testing Software for Safety-Critical Systems

Participation in the global F-35 program has been transformative for Aversan as a member of Canada’s defence industrial base. Aversan contributed to the successful delivery of numerous software releases for one of the F-35’s mission-critical systems as an independent verification and validation subcontractor. Leveraging its unique proprietary Batch Execution System (BES), Aversan maximized the utilization of limited test assets, which improved efficiency and shortened test cycles across the software verification lifecycle. Aversan has also supported Lockheed Martin’s F-16 and F-22 programs.

Delivering Canadian mission-critical engineering to one of the world’s most advanced defence platforms significantly strengthened its technical capabilities, accelerated long-term skills development, and, most importantly, established Aversan’s credibility as a trusted defence partner.

For employees at Aversan, supporting the F-35 global program is a generational opportunity: “Participating in the F‑35 program was a professionally enriching experience for the Aversan team, combining Canadian engineering talent with one of the most advanced defence platforms in history and pushing us to achieve new levels of technical excellence,” says Danny Dias, Director of Business Development at Aversan.

A Foundation for Long-Term Growth and Capability Development

The steady work on the global F-35 program enabled Aversan to grow its expertise and secure new contracts both internationally and within Canada’s defence and aerospace sector. Importantly, since 2003, Aversan’s workforce has grown by 252%, reflecting sustained organizational expansion and capability development. Over this period, the company has evolved from a focused verification and validation provider into a comprehensive engineering services organization, now delivering full turnkey, safety-certifiable airborne electronics design and manufacturing, product redesign & reverse engineering and obsolescence management, automated test equipment development, and MRO services.

“Our work on the F-35 program carried a profound sense of national pride, knowing that Canadian engineering excellence was contributing to one of the world’s most advanced defence capabilities,” says Nathan Nandhakumaran, COO, Aversan. “This program not only strengthened Canada’s role on the global stage but also served as a catalyst for our company’s technical expansion, workforce development, and long-term strategic advancement.”

As F-35 production and sustainment continue in the years ahead, the F-35 program is anticipated to generate more than CAD$15.5B in economic value through 2058. For Aversan, as the global F-35 fleet expands, the value of potential development, testing and long-term sustainment opportunities is expected to increase significantly.

“As we look ahead, the experience and capabilities we have developed through the F-35 program not only form a strong foundation for future growth but also continue to generate new opportunities for additional F-35 work,” Nandhakumaran says. “These advancements enable us to drive innovation, expand our contributions to Canada’s defence ecosystem, and reinforce our position as a leader in next-generation aerospace and mission-critical technologies.”