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 revealed the status of the CC-330 Husky fleet, which is set to replace the aging Airbus 310s. These wide-body jets serve as the core of the air force’s intercontinental fleet, handling troop transport and global travel for the prime minister. However, their primary function as airborne refueling stations is key as Canada aims 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 a deal made in July 2023, Canada procured nine Airbus A330s for around $3.6 billion, comprising five used planes with minimal service history from Kuwait Airways and four brand-new aircraft.
Presently, three of the used Airbus planes have arrived in their original airline configuration. While these aircraft are currently utilized for passenger transport, including the prime minister’s travels, one has already entered scheduled maintenance at Mirabel Airport. The fourth plane is undergoing interior and defense upgrades in Switzerland, while the fifth is being converted into an air tanker in Spain.
The first new-build tanker is undergoing testing in Spain, with the other three new builds under production in Toulouse, France. The RCAF’s CF-18 fleet, as well as the upcoming F-35s, rely on air tankers to maintain Arctic patrols. These fighter jets consume fuel rapidly and often collaborate with air tankers to extend their operational range and time in the air.
Canada’s new tankers will feature the necessary booms and hoses to refuel all NATO-compliant aircraft. The previous aircraft lacked a large boom, critical for aircraft like the C-17 cargo plane and the F-35, primarily designed for the U.S. Air Force.
The new V-VIP Airbus, currently undergoing refitting in Switzerland for the prime minister’s use, will be equipped with a “self-protection suite” to defend against missile threats. This suite may include a combination of lasers, flares, and aluminum foil to counter or confuse incoming missiles. While many components of this system will not be visible to the naked eye, there will be discernible bulges on the aircraft’s exterior, signaling their presence and capabilities to observers.
The CC-330 Husky fleet is expected to achieve initial operational capability by 2028-29, with full operational readiness of all nine jets planned by 2032-33. While the jets are currently stationed in Ottawa, new facilities are being constructed in Trenton, Ontario, and Edmonton.
The RCAF’s existing fleet of five smaller Airbus A310s, known as the CC-150 Polaris, originally served as Wardair passenger jets in the late 1980s. One of these A310s, formerly Airbus 01 and utilized by the last three prime ministers, is now on display in a museum in Trenton. Another A310 was written off after a mishap in 2023 in Guam, where it collided with a parked French cargo plane due to parking brake failure. The remaining three A310s will remain in service until 2030.