Canada’s air force is set to receive the first of four new air tankers by the end of next year, 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 acquired to replace the aging Airbus 310s. These wide-body jets serve as the core of the air force’s international fleet, transporting troops and the prime minister worldwide. However, their primary significance lies in their role as in-flight refueling stations, essential for enhancing continental defense efforts.
According to a spokesperson from the Department of National Defence, the initial new aircraft delivery to the RCAF is scheduled for late 2027. In July 2023, Canada procured nine Airbus A330s for about $3.6 billion, comprising five used jets 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.
Currently, three of the pre-owned Airbus planes have been received in their original airline configuration. While these planes are utilized for passenger transportation, including the prime minister’s travels, one has entered scheduled heavy maintenance at Mirabel Airport. The fourth aircraft is undergoing refurbishment in Switzerland, and the fifth is in Spain for conversion into an air tanker. The initial newly-built tanker is undergoing testing in Spain, with the other three in production in Toulouse, France.
The RCAF’s fleet of CF-18s and upcoming F-35s heavily rely on air tankers to sustain Arctic patrols. Fighter jets consume fuel rapidly, necessitating frequent refueling from air tankers to prolong their operational duration and range. This support was notably vital during the FIFA World Cup events in Toronto this year, where an aging air tanker enabled CF-18s to remain airborne over the stadium for extended periods.
The new Canadian tankers will be equipped with the necessary boom and hoses to refuel all NATO-compatible aircraft. In contrast, the older models lacked this functionality, particularly the large boom critical for aircraft like the C-17 cargo plane and the F-35, designed for the US Air Force.
Concerns over aircraft security, including recent discussions on threats faced by world leaders’ planes, have prompted the installation of a “self-protection suite” in the new V-VIP Airbus. This defensive system, which may include lasers, flares, and aluminum foil, is designed to counter missile attacks. Although many components of this system will not be visibly apparent, certain bulges on the aircraft’s surface will indicate its presence, likely to be noticed by plane enthusiasts and foreign entities.
The air force anticipates achieving initial operational capability for the CC-330 Husky fleet by 2028-29, with full operational readiness for all nine jets expected by 2032-33. Presently stationed in Ottawa, the jets will soon be relocated to new facilities being constructed in Trenton, Ontario, and Edmonton.
The RCAF’s existing fleet of five Airbus A310s, known as the CC-150 Polaris, originally served as passenger aircraft for Wardair in the late 1980s. While one of these aircraft is now preserved as a museum exhibit, another was written off following a parking incident in Guam in 2023, involving a collision with a parked French cargo plane. The remaining three A310s will continue service until 2030.
The air force’s efforts to modernize and enhance its fleet reflect Canada’s commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities and ensuring operational efficiency in critical regions like the Arctic.