Canada’s air force is set to receive the first of four new air tankers crucial for refueling fighter jets in the Arctic by the end of next year. The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has provided details on the status of the CC-330 Husky fleet, replacing the aging Airbus 310s. These wide-body jets serve as the backbone of the air force’s intercontinental fleet for troop transport and official travel. However, their primary importance lies in refueling operations as part of Canada’s efforts to enhance continental defense.
According to a Department of National Defence spokesperson, the initial new aircraft delivery to the RCAF is scheduled for late 2027. In July 2023, Canada acquired nine Airbus A330s for around $3.6 billion, including five used jets with minimal service history from Kuwait Airways and four brand-new planes. The department had not previously disclosed how many of the new aircraft would be received by the following year.
Currently, three of the used Airbus planes have been delivered and are operating in their original airline configuration. While they are used for passenger transport, one aircraft is undergoing maintenance, another is being refitted in Switzerland, and the fifth is undergoing modifications in Spain to become an air tanker. The first new-build tanker is undergoing testing in Spain, with the other three new builds in production in Toulouse, France.
The RCAF’s fleet of CF-18s and upcoming F-35s rely on air tankers to support extended patrols over the Arctic due to the high fuel consumption of fighter jets. The new tankers will be equipped with the necessary boom and hoses to refuel all NATO aircraft, addressing a limitation of the previous fleet which lacked the large boom required for specific aircraft like the F-35.
The recently refurbished V-VIP Airbus, intended for the prime minister’s use, will feature a “self-protection suite” to enhance defense against missile threats. This system includes advanced technologies like lasers, flares, and aluminum foil designed to counter incoming missiles. While most components will not be visible externally, certain features will be noticeable on the aircraft’s exterior, signaling enhanced capabilities.
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 expected by 2032-33. The current jets are stationed in Ottawa, with new facilities under construction in Trenton, Ont., and Edmonton.
The existing fleet of smaller Airbus A310s, also known as the CC-150 Polaris, will remain in service until 2030. Originally serving as Wardair passenger jets in the late 1980s, these aircraft have undergone various incidents, including a notable collision in 2023 in Guam resulting from a runaway aircraft without proper securing measures. Despite these challenges, the remaining A310s will continue operations until 2030.