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 state of the CC-330 Husky fleet, which was purchased to replace the aging Airbus 310s. These wide-body jets are essential for the air force’s intercontinental operations, including transporting troops and the prime minister globally. However, their primary function as aerial refueling stations is particularly important as Canada enhances its continental defense capabilities.
According to a Department of National Defence spokesperson, the initial new aircraft is scheduled for delivery to the RCAF in late 2027. In July 2023, Canada acquired nine Airbus A330s for approximately $3.6 billion, consisting of five pre-owned aircraft with minimal service history from Kuwait Airways and four brand-new planes. The department had not previously disclosed the number of new aircraft to be delivered by the following year.
Presently, three of the used Airbus planes have arrived and are being used for passenger transport, including for the prime minister. One aircraft is undergoing heavy maintenance in Mirabel Airport, another is being refitted in Switzerland, and the fifth is in Spain for transformation 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 rely on air tankers for extended patrols over the Arctic, as fighter jets consume fuel rapidly. This need was evident during the recent FIFA World Cup games in Toronto, where an aging air tanker assisted CF-18s in prolonged aerial presence over the stadium. The new tankers will feature the necessary boom and hoses to refuel all NATO-compatible aircraft, addressing the limitations of the aircraft they are replacing.
In response to recent concerns about threats to world leaders’ aircraft, the air force confirms that 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 missile attacks. The system may include lasers, flares, and countermeasure technologies to enhance the aircraft’s security. The air force anticipates that observers and foreign entities will take note of these enhancements and their capabilities.
Initial operational capability for the CC-330 Husky fleet is targeted for 2028-29, with full operational capability of all nine jets expected by 2032-33. While the current jets are stationed in Ottawa, new facilities are under construction in Trenton, Ont., and Edmonton.
The RCAF’s existing fleet of five Airbus A310s, known as the CC-150 Polaris, will remain in service until 2030. These aircraft, which originated as Wardair passenger jets in the late 1980s, have played crucial roles, including serving the last three prime ministers. One A310 was involved in an incident in Guam in 2023, leading to its write-off, while the remaining three will continue to operate for the next decade.