Canada’s air force will have to wait until the end of next year before it receives the first of four new air tankers crucial for refueling fighter jets in the Arctic. The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has provided details on the state of the CC-330 Husky fleet, which was acquired to replace its aging Airbus 310s. These wide-body jets serve as the backbone of the air force’s intercontinental fleet, facilitating troop transport and transporting the prime minister globally. However, their primary role as aerial refueling stations is vital as Canada aims to strengthen its continental defense.
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 procured nine Airbus A330s at a cost of around $3.6 billion, comprising five used planes with less than a decade of service from Kuwait Airways and four brand-new aircraft. Until now, the number of new aircraft expected to be delivered by next year had not been disclosed.
Currently, three of the used Airbus planes have been received in their original airline configuration. They are being utilized for passenger transport, including the prime minister, with one undergoing scheduled maintenance at Mirabel Airport. The fourth aircraft is undergoing interior and defense component upgrades in Switzerland, while the fifth is being converted into an air tanker in Spain. The first newly-built tanker is undergoing testing in Spain, while the other three are in production in Toulouse, France.
The RCAF’s fleet of CF-18s and soon-to-be-introduced F-35s require air tankers to maintain Arctic patrol operations. These fighter jets consume fuel rapidly and rely on air tankers to extend their operational range and time in the air. The necessity for air tankers was underscored during the FIFA World Cup games in Toronto earlier this year, where an aging air tanker supported CF-18s for extended flight durations over the stadium.
The new tankers acquired by Canada will be equipped with the necessary boom and hoses to refuel all NATO-equipped aircraft. In contrast, the aircraft they are replacing lacked the large boom required for refueling certain aircraft like the C-17 cargo plane and the F-35, which are designed for the U.S. Air Force.
In response to recent concerns over threats to world leaders’ aircraft, the air force has confirmed that the new V-VIP Airbus, currently being retrofitted in Switzerland for the prime minister’s use, will feature a “self-protection suite” to enhance defense against missile attacks. This system may include lasers, flares, and aluminum foil to counter incoming missiles. While many components of this system will not be visible externally, there will be noticeable bulges on the aircraft’s surface, attracting attention from plane spotters and foreign governments.
The air force has outlined that the initial operational capability for the CC-330 Husky fleet is projected for 2028-29, with full operational capability of all nine jets expected by 2032-33. Presently based in Ottawa, the aircraft will be relocated to new facilities under construction in Trenton, Ontario, and Edmonton.
The RCAF’s existing fleet of five Airbus A310s, known as the CC-150 Polaris, began their service as Wardair passenger jets in the late 1980s. Following their retirement, one of the former Airbus A310s has been preserved as a museum piece in Trenton. However, another A310 was involved in an incident in Guam in 2023 and was written off due to significant damage caused by a parking lot collision with a French cargo plane. The remaining three aircraft will remain in service until 2030.