Canada’s air force is anticipating the arrival of 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 CC-330 Husky fleet, which is set to replace the aging Airbus 310s. These wide-body jets are essential for the air force’s international operations, including transporting troops and the prime minister.
The first of the new aircraft is expected to be delivered to the RCAF in late 2027, following Canada’s purchase of nine Airbus A330s in July 2023 for approximately $3.6 billion. The fleet comprises five used jets, previously in service with Kuwait Airways for less than 10 years, and four brand-new planes. Currently, three of the used Airbus planes have been received, with one undergoing maintenance and the others being prepared for their new roles.
The new air tankers are crucial for supporting Canada’s continental defense efforts, particularly in the Arctic region where the CF-18s and upcoming F-35s require refueling to conduct extended patrols. The new tankers will be equipped with the necessary boom and hoses to refuel all NATO aircraft, addressing a limitation of the older aircraft they are replacing.
In addition to their refueling capabilities, the new V-VIP Airbus being readied for the prime minister will feature a “self-protection suite” to enhance its defenses against potential threats, including missile attacks. This system will include advanced technologies designed to counter incoming threats, with some components discreetly integrated into the aircraft’s structure.
The RCAF aims to achieve initial operational capability for the CC-330 Husky fleet by 2028-29, with full operational capability for all nine jets expected by 2032-33. The air force is currently based in Ottawa, with new facilities under construction in Trenton, Ont., and Edmonton to support the expanded fleet.
The older fleet of Airbus A310s, known as the CC-150 Polaris, will remain in service until 2030, with one aircraft already retired and preserved as a museum piece. Notably, an incident involving one of the A310s in 2023 led to a collision in Guam, prompting a safety investigation that highlighted operational and maintenance issues.
The incoming fleet of air tankers represents a significant upgrade for the RCAF, enhancing its capabilities to support domestic and international missions effectively.
