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 revealed the status of the CC-330 Husky fleet, intended to replace its aging Airbus 310s. These wide-body jets play a vital role in the air force’s global operations, shuttling troops and government officials worldwide. However, their primary significance lies in serving as airborne refueling stations, a critical aspect as Canada aims to enhance its continental defense capabilities.
As per a Department of National Defence spokesperson, the initial new aircraft is slated for delivery to the RCAF in late 2027. In July 2023, Canada procured a total of nine Airbus A330s for approximately $3.6 billion, comprising five pre-owned jets with minimal prior service under Kuwait Airways and four brand-new aircraft. The exact number of new aircraft expected to be delivered by the following year had not been disclosed until now.
Presently, three of the pre-owned Airbus planes have been received in their original airline configuration and are being utilized for passenger transport, including facilitating travel for government officials. One of these planes is undergoing scheduled maintenance at Mirabel Airport, while the fourth is undergoing refurbishment in Switzerland and the fifth in Spain for conversion into an air tanker. The first newly built tanker is undergoing testing in Spain, with the other three in various stages of production in Toulouse, France.
The RCAF’s fleet of CF-18s, soon to be joined by new F-35s, heavily relies on air tankers to sustain prolonged patrols over the Arctic region. These fighter jets consume fuel rapidly and frequently require air tankers to extend their operational endurance. This necessity was underscored during the recent FIFA World Cup events in Toronto, where an aging air tanker supported CF-18s in maintaining prolonged presence above the stadium.
The upcoming new tankers for Canada will be equipped with the necessary boom and hoses to refuel all NATO-compatible aircraft. In contrast, the aircraft they are replacing lacked the large boom crucial for refueling certain aircraft like the C-17 cargo plane and the F-35, primarily designed for the U.S. Air Force.
Regarding the new V-VIP Airbus being refitted in Switzerland for the prime minister’s use, the air force confirms the inclusion of a “self-protection suite” aimed at safeguarding the aircraft against potential missile threats. This defensive system may encompass technologies like lasers, flares, and chaff to deter or counter incoming missile attacks. Not all components of this system will be visible externally, but specific bulges on the aircraft’s surface may hint at its capabilities, attracting attention from plane enthusiasts and foreign entities. Initial operational capability for the CC-330 Husky fleet is anticipated by 2028-29, with full operational readiness for all nine jets expected by 2032-33.
While the current jets are stationed in Ottawa, new infrastructure is under construction in Trenton, Ont., and Edmonton to accommodate the incoming fleet. The existing fleet of five Airbus A310s, also known as the CC-150 Polaris, which originated as Wardair passenger planes in the late 1980s, will remain in service until 2030. One of these A310s met with an accident in Guam in 2023, colliding with a parked French cargo plane due to parking brake failure, resulting in substantial damage to both aircraft. The remaining three A310s will continue their service until the designated retirement year.