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. The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has revealed the status of the CC-330 Husky fleet, which was acquired to replace the aging Airbus 310s.
These wide-body jets serve as the mainstay of the air force’s intercontinental fleet, responsible for transporting troops and the prime minister worldwide. However, their vital function as aerial gas stations is particularly important as Canada aims to enhance its continental defense capabilities.
According to a Department of National Defence spokesperson, the initial new aircraft is expected to be handed over to the RCAF towards the end of 2027. In a deal made in July 2023, Canada procured nine Airbus A330s for around $3.6 billion, comprising five pre-owned jets with minimal service history from Kuwait Airways and four new aircraft.
As of now, three of the pre-owned Airbus planes have been delivered in their original airline setup. These planes are currently utilized for passenger transport, including the prime minister’s travel, with one undergoing scheduled maintenance at Mirabel Airport.
The fourth aircraft is undergoing refurbishment in Switzerland for interior upgrades and defense system enhancements, while the fifth is in Spain for conversion into an air tanker. The first new-build 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 sustain patrols over the Arctic. These fighter jets have high fuel consumption rates and frequently collaborate with air tankers to extend their operational range and duration.
Notably, Canada’s new tankers will be equipped with the necessary boom and hoses to refuel all NATO-compatible aircraft. In contrast, the aircraft they are replacing lacked the large boom required for refueling specific aircraft like the C-17 cargo plane and the F-35.
Additionally, the new V-VIP Airbus, currently being retrofitted in Switzerland for the prime minister’s use, will feature a “self-protection suite” to defend against potential missile threats. This defense system may incorporate technologies such as lasers, flares, and aluminum foil to counter incoming missiles.
The air force anticipates that these enhancements, although mostly concealed, may be noticeable through certain bulges on the aircraft’s exterior. Initial operational capability for the CC-330 Husky fleet is slated for 2028-29, with full operational readiness expected for all nine jets by 2032-33.
Currently stationed in Ottawa, the aircraft will be relocated to new facilities under construction in Trenton, Ontario, and Edmonton. The existing fleet of five Airbus A310s, also known as the CC-150 Polaris, will remain operational until 2030, with one aircraft serving as a museum piece in Trenton.
An unfortunate incident involving one A310 in Guam led to its write-off in 2023 following a parking lot collision with a parked French cargo plane. A flight safety investigation attributed the mishap to factors such as absent wheel chocks, crew fatigue, and checklist design, with the remaining three aircraft to be phased out by 2030.