Canada’s air force is set to wait until late 2027 to receive the first of four new air tankers crucial for refueling fighter jets in the Arctic. The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has disclosed the status of the CC-330 Husky fleet, which was bought to replace the aging Airbus 310s, marking the first time this information has been released.
The 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 primary function as airborne gas stations is of utmost importance as Canada aims to enhance continental defense.
The Department of National Defence spokesperson informed CBC News that the initial new aircraft will be handed over to the RCAF by the end of 2027. In July 2023, Canada acquired nine Airbus A330s for approximately $3.6 billion, comprising five pre-owned jets with less than a decade of service from Kuwait Airways and four brand-new planes.
As of now, three of the used Airbus planes have been delivered, operating in their original airline layout. These aircraft are being utilized for passenger transport, including the prime minister’s travels. One of the planes is currently undergoing scheduled maintenance at Mirabel Airport.
The fourth jet is in Switzerland for interior and defense component upgrades, while the fifth is in Spain for conversion into an air tanker. The first newly constructed tanker is undergoing testing in Spain, with the other three in production in Toulouse, France.
The RCAF’s fleet of CF-18s and soon-to-be-introduced F-35s require air tankers to conduct patrols over the Arctic. Fighter jets consume fuel rapidly and often rely on air tankers to extend their operational time and range.
The new tankers are equipped with the necessary boom and hoses to refuel all NATO-compatible aircraft. In contrast, the aircraft they are replacing lacked a large boom critical for refueling specific aircraft like the C-17 cargo plane and the F-35, primarily used by the U.S. Air Force.
Regarding the new V-VIP Airbus, which is being refitted for the prime minister’s use, the air force confirms the inclusion of a “self-protection suite” to defend against potential missile attacks. This system may consist of lasers, flares, and aluminum foil designed to confuse or counter incoming missiles.
The air force anticipates that plane enthusiasts and foreign governments will observe some discreet external modifications indicating the aircraft’s enhanced capabilities. The CC-330 Husky fleet’s initial operational capability is scheduled for 2028-29, with full operational capability for all nine jets projected by 2032-33.
Currently stationed in Ottawa, the jets will soon have new operational facilities in Trenton, Ont., and Edmonton. The older fleet of five Airbus A310s, also known as the CC-150 Polaris, will remain in service until 2030. One of these A310s was involved in a parking incident in Guam in 2023, leading to its write-off. The investigation attributed the incident to several factors, including crew fatigue and checklist design.
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