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 region. The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has provided details on the CC-330 Husky fleet, intended to replace the aging Airbus 310s that serve as the backbone of the air force’s long-distance fleet, transporting personnel, including the prime minister, worldwide. However, their primary function as aerial refueling stations is vital as Canada enhances its continental defense strategy.
According to a spokesperson from the Department of National Defence, 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 aircraft. The exact number of new aircraft to be received by next year was undisclosed until now.
Currently, three of the pre-owned Airbus planes have arrived and are being utilized for passenger transport, including official trips for the prime minister. One aircraft is undergoing scheduled maintenance, another is being refurbished in Switzerland for defense enhancements, and the fifth is being converted into an air tanker in Spain. The first newly manufactured 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 require air tankers to support Arctic patrols, as fighter jets consume fuel rapidly and rely on air tankers to extend their operational range. The importance of this capability was demonstrated during the FIFA World Cup events in Toronto, where an aging air tanker enabled CF-18s to remain airborne over the stadium for extended periods. The new tankers will feature advanced refueling equipment compatible with all NATO aircraft, addressing the limitations of the previous models that lacked crucial components required for refueling certain aircraft types.
Regarding the security of world leaders’ aircraft, the RCAF confirms that the new V-VIP Airbus, currently undergoing modifications in Switzerland for the prime minister’s use, will be equipped with a “self-protection suite” to defend against missile threats. This system may include sophisticated countermeasures like lasers, flares, and decoy materials designed to thwart incoming missiles. While most components of this system will be discreet, visible indicators on the aircraft’s exterior will hint at its enhanced defensive capabilities.
The air force anticipates achieving the initial operational capability for the CC-330 Husky fleet by 2028-29, with full operational readiness for all nine aircraft expected by 2032-33. The current fleet is stationed in Ottawa, with new facilities under construction in Trenton, Ontario, and Edmonton.
The fleet of five older Airbus A310s, known as CC-150 Polaris, which originated as passenger jets with Wardair in the late 1980s, will remain in service until 2030. Notably, one A310 was decommissioned following a parking incident in Guam in 2023, where it collided with a parked French cargo plane due to parking brake failure. The subsequent investigation identified factors such as the absence of wheel chocks, crew fatigue, and checklist issues as contributing to the mishap. The remaining three A310s will continue operations until the designated retirement date.