Canada’s air force is set to receive the first of four new air tankers by the end of next year, crucial for refueling fighter jets in the Arctic. The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has provided details on the status of the CC-330 Husky fleet purchased to replace aging Airbus 310s, which are essential for intercontinental flights carrying troops and government officials. The primary function of these wide-body jets is their role as airborne refueling stations, particularly significant as Canada focuses on enhancing continental defense.
According to a Department of National Defence spokesperson, the initial new aircraft is scheduled for delivery to the RCAF in late 2027. In July 2023, Canada acquired nine Airbus A330s for approximately $3.6 billion, comprising five pre-owned jets with minimal service history from Kuwait Airways and four brand-new planes. Up until now, the specific number of aircraft to be delivered by the following year had not been disclosed.
Currently, three of the pre-owned Airbus planes have been received in their original commercial configuration. These aircraft are being utilized for passenger transport, including official trips for the prime minister. One plane is undergoing scheduled maintenance in Mirabel Airport, while another is being refitted in Switzerland with defense components, and the fifth is in Spain for conversion into an air tanker. Testing is underway in Spain for the first new-build tanker, with the other three in production in Toulouse, France.
The RCAF’s fleet of CF-18s and upcoming F-35s rely on air tankers to conduct extended patrols over the Arctic due to the high fuel consumption of fighter jets. During the recent FIFA World Cup events in Toronto, an aging air tanker assisted CF-18s in maintaining extended flight times over the stadium. The new tankers will be equipped with the necessary boom and hoses to refuel all NATO-compatible aircraft, addressing the limitations of the previous fleet that lacked the large boom essential for specific aircraft types like the C-17 cargo plane and the F-35.
Concerns over threats to world leaders’ aircraft have prompted the installation of a “self-protection suite” on the new V-VIP Airbus meant for the prime minister. This system includes technologies like lasers, flares, and countermeasures to enhance defense against potential missile attacks. While many components of the system will not be visibly apparent, certain features may be noticeable on the aircraft’s exterior, drawing attention from aviation enthusiasts and foreign authorities.
The air force projects the initial operational capability for the CC-330 Husky fleet to be established by 2028-29, with full operational readiness for all nine jets targeted by 2032-33. The current aircraft are stationed in Ottawa, with new facilities under construction in Trenton, Ontario, and Edmonton.
The RCAF’s existing fleet of five Airbus A310s, known as the CC-150 Polaris, originally served as passenger jets in the late 1980s. One retired aircraft, formerly used by the last three prime ministers, is now preserved as a museum exhibit in Trenton. Notably, one A310 was involved in an incident in Guam in 2023, leading to its write-off. The remaining three A310s are slated to remain in service until 2030.