Canada’s air force is set to receive the first of four new air tankers by the end of next year to support refueling operations for fighter jets in the Arctic. The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has provided details on the CC-330 Husky fleet, which will replace the aging Airbus 310s. These wide-body jets serve as crucial assets for the air force’s global operations, transporting troops and government officials.
The delivery of the new aircraft to the RCAF is scheduled for late 2027, following Canada’s acquisition of nine Airbus A330s in July 2023, at a cost of around $3.6 billion. Among the purchased aircraft, five are used jets with minimal prior service from Kuwait Airways, while the remaining four are brand new.
Presently, three of the used Airbus planes have been received and are being utilized for passenger transport, including carrying the prime minister. One aircraft is undergoing maintenance in Mirabel Airport, while another is being refitted in Switzerland and the fifth is in Spain for conversion into an air tanker. The first new tanker is undergoing testing in Spain, with the other three in production in Toulouse, France.
The RCAF’s fleet of CF-18s and forthcoming F-35s rely on air tankers for extended patrols over the Arctic, as fighter jets consume fuel rapidly. The new tankers will be equipped with the necessary boom and hoses to refuel all NATO-compatible aircraft, addressing a limitation of the aircraft they are replacing.
A new V-VIP Airbus, currently being upgraded in Switzerland for the prime minister’s use, will feature a “self-protection suite” to enhance defense against potential missile threats. This system, which includes lasers, flares, and other components, aims to safeguard the aircraft from attacks.
The air force anticipates achieving initial operational capability for the CC-330 Husky fleet by 2028-29, with full operational capability for all nine jets by 2032-33. While the current jets are stationed in Ottawa, new facilities are being constructed in Trenton, Ont., and Edmonton.
The RCAF’s fleet of Airbus A310s, known as the CC-150 Polaris, is expected to remain in service until 2030. These aircraft, originally Wardair passenger jets from the late 1980s, have served prominent roles, with one now preserved as a museum piece in Trenton. An incident in 2023 involving one A310 resulted in its write-off, following a collision with a parked French cargo plane in Guam due to various contributing factors, including crew fatigue and checklist design.
Overall, the modernization of Canada’s air tanker fleet underscores the country’s commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities and ensuring the safety and efficiency of its air operations.