Canada’s air force will not receive the first of four new air tankers crucial for refueling fighter jets in the Arctic until the end of next year. 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 mainstay of the air force’s intercontinental fleet, transporting troops and the prime minister worldwide. However, their primary role as aerial refueling stations is vital for enhancing Canada’s continental defense.
According to a spokesperson for the Department of National Defence, the initial new aircraft will be handed over to the RCAF in late 2027. Canada bought nine Airbus A330s in July 2023 for around $3.6 billion, comprising five pre-owned jets with minimal service history from Kuwait Airways and four brand-new aircraft. The number of new planes to be delivered by next year had not been previously disclosed.
Presently, three of the pre-owned Airbus planes have arrived and are being utilized for passenger transport, including for the prime minister. One aircraft is undergoing scheduled maintenance in Mirabel Airport, while another is in Switzerland for interior and defense upgrades. The fifth plane is in Spain to be converted into an air tanker. The first newly constructed 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 the new F-35s, rely on air tankers to conduct patrols over the Arctic. These fighter jets consume fuel rapidly and frequently require air tankers to extend their operational duration. The importance of this role was demonstrated during the FIFA World Cup games in Toronto this year when an aging air tanker assisted CF-18s in maintaining prolonged presence over the stadium.
The new tankers will be equipped with the necessary boom and hoses to refuel all NATO-compliant aircraft. Unlike the planes they are replacing, the new tankers will feature a large boom essential for refueling aircraft like the C-17 cargo plane and the F-35, commonly used by the U.S. Air Force.
The new V-VIP Airbus, currently undergoing refurbishment in Switzerland for the prime minister’s use, will be equipped with a “self-protection suite” to defend against potential missile threats. This system may include lasers, flares, and aluminum foil to counter incoming missiles. These components will not be visibly prominent on the aircraft but may exhibit subtle bulges on the aircraft’s exterior.
The air force projects that the CC-330 Husky fleet will achieve initial operational capability by 2028-29, with full operational capability for all nine jets expected by 2032-33. The aircraft are presently stationed in Ottawa, with new facilities under construction in Trenton, Ont., and Edmonton.
The RCAF’s current fleet of five Airbus A310s, known as the CC-150 Polaris, will remain in service until 2030. Originally operating as Wardair passenger jets in the late 1980s, one of the A310s is now a museum piece in Trenton. Another A310 was involved in a parking lot incident in Guam in 2023, resulting in its write-off. The investigation into the incident revealed various contributing factors, including crew fatigue and checklist design issues. The remaining three A310s will continue their service until 2030.