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 detailed the status of the CC-330 Husky fleet, intended to replace the aging Airbus 310s that serve as the backbone of the air force’s long-haul fleet, transporting troops and government officials worldwide. However, their primary function as aerial refueling stations is paramount as Canada aims to enhance its continental defense capabilities.
As per a statement from the Department of National Defence to CBC News, the initial new aircraft is expected to be handed over to the RCAF in late 2027. In a deal made in July 2023, Canada procured nine Airbus A330s for approximately $3.6 billion, including five pre-owned jets with minimal service history from Kuwait Airways and four brand-new aircraft. The exact number of new aircraft slated for delivery by the following year had not been previously disclosed by the department.
Currently, three of the pre-owned Airbus planes have arrived in their original passenger configuration, with one undergoing scheduled maintenance in Mirabel Airport, another being refitted in Switzerland with upgraded interior and defense features, and the fifth undergoing modifications in Spain to become an air tanker. The first newly constructed tanker is undergoing testing in Spain, while the remaining three are in production in Toulouse, France.
The RCAF’s fleet of CF-18s and upcoming F-35s rely on air tankers to sustain patrols over the Arctic, as fighter jets consume fuel rapidly and frequently require refueling to extend their operational range. This necessity was exemplified during the recent FIFA World Cup events in Toronto, where an aging air tanker supported CF-18s for extended durations over the stadium.
The new tankers will be equipped with the necessary boom and hoses to refuel all NATO-compliant aircraft, a capability lacking in the aircraft they are replacing. The forthcoming V-VIP Airbus, currently being retrofitted in Switzerland for the prime minister’s use, will feature a “self-protection suite” to defend against potential missile threats, comprising advanced countermeasure systems to thwart incoming missiles.
The air force anticipates operational readiness for the CC-330 Husky fleet by 2028-29, with the full complement of nine jets achieving full operational capability by 2032-33. While the current jets are stationed in Ottawa, new facilities are under construction in Trenton, Ont., and Edmonton.
The RCAF’s existing fleet of five Airbus A310s, known as the CC-150 Polaris, originally served as passenger aircraft for Wardair in the late 1980s. One of these aircraft, formerly Airbus 01 and utilized by the past three prime ministers, is now preserved as a museum exhibit in Trenton. Another A310 was involved in a mishap in Guam in 2023, leading to its write-off, while the remaining three will continue in service until 2030.