Canada’s air force will have to wait until the end of next year to receive the first of four new air tankers 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 purchased to replace the aging Airbus 310s. These wide-body jets serve as the backbone of the air force’s intercontinental fleet, supporting troop transport and global travel for the prime minister.
The primary focus lies on their role as aerial refueling stations, a critical aspect as Canada aims to enhance continental defense. According to a Department of National Defence spokesperson’s statement to CBC News, the initial new aircraft is scheduled for delivery to the RCAF by late 2027. In a deal completed in July 2023, Canada procured nine Airbus A330s for about $3.6 billion, including five used jets with minimal service history from Kuwait Airways and four brand new planes.
Currently, three of the pre-owned Airbus planes have arrived and are being utilized for passenger transport, including VIP travel for the prime minister. Maintenance activities are ongoing for one of the planes at Mirabel Airport, while another is undergoing interior and defense upgrades in Switzerland, and a third is being converted into an air tanker in Spain. The first new-build tanker is undergoing testing in Spain, with the other three under production in Toulouse, France.
The RCAF’s fleet of CF-18s and upcoming F-35s rely on air tankers to maintain patrol duties over the Arctic, as fighter jets consume fuel rapidly and often require refueling to extend their operational range. The importance of this role was demonstrated during the recent FIFA World Cup games in Toronto when an aging air tanker supported CF-18s for extended periods. The new tankers will feature advanced refueling capabilities compatible with all NATO aircraft, unlike the previous models lacking essential equipment for certain aircraft types.
Notably, the new V-VIP Airbus aircraft, currently undergoing refurbishment in Switzerland for the prime minister’s use, will be equipped with a “self-protection suite” to enhance defense against potential missile threats. This system includes advanced countermeasure technologies designed to counter incoming missiles. Although most components will be discreet, some features will be visible externally, signaling enhanced security measures.
The air force anticipates the initial operational capability for the CC-330 Husky fleet by 2028-29, with full operational readiness for all nine aircraft by 2032-33. The fleet is currently stationed in Ottawa, with new facilities under construction in Trenton, Ont., and Edmonton.
Meanwhile, the existing fleet of five Airbus A310s, also known as the CC-150 Polaris, will remain in service until 2030. These aircraft, originating from Wardair passenger jets in the 1980s, have played a significant role in Canadian aviation history. One A310 was involved in a notable incident in Guam in 2023, leading to its write-off due to a parking lot collision with a French cargo plane. Despite this incident, the remaining A310s will continue their service until the end of the decade.
