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 detailed the status of the CC-330 Husky fleet, which will replace the aging Airbus 310s, the primary aircraft for global troop and VIP transport.
The new wide-body jets will play a vital role as aerial refueling stations to enhance Canada’s continental defense capabilities. The Department of National Defence confirmed that the initial new aircraft will be handed over to the RCAF by late 2027. In a significant procurement move, Canada acquired nine Airbus A330s in July 2023 for about $3.6 billion, comprising five lightly used jets from Kuwait Airways and four brand-new planes.
Three of the pre-owned Airbus planes have already been delivered and are currently used for passenger transport, including for the Prime Minister. The fourth aircraft is undergoing maintenance in Mirabel Airport, while the fifth is being converted into an air tanker in Spain. The first newly built tanker is undergoing testing in Spain, with the other three in production in Toulouse, France.
The RCAF’s fleet, including CF-18s and upcoming F-35s, relies on air tankers to extend their patrol durations over the Arctic due to high fuel consumption rates. The new tankers, equipped with the necessary boom and hoses, will be capable of refueling all NATO aircraft. Unlike the aircraft they are replacing, the new tankers will feature a large boom essential for refueling U.S. Air Force aircraft such as the C-17 cargo plane and the F-35 fighter.
In light of recent discussions on threats to world leaders’ aircraft, the RCAF confirms that the new V-VIP Airbus, currently being refurbished in Switzerland for the Prime Minister’s use, will be equipped with a “self-protection suite” to defend against potential missile attacks. This system includes advanced countermeasure technologies to safeguard the aircraft from hostile threats.
The air force anticipates achieving initial operational capability for the CC-330 Husky fleet by 2028-29, with full operational readiness of all nine jets by 2032-33. The air force’s older fleet, comprised of A310s, will remain in service until 2030. The remaining A310 aircraft have faced challenges, with one being written off after a parking lot incident in Guam in 2023. Flight safety investigations revealed factors contributing to the incident, including inadequate parking brake duration and crew fatigue.
The RCAF’s air tankers play a crucial role in extending the operational range and duration of fighter jets, particularly in the Arctic region. The new fleet of tankers will significantly enhance Canada’s defense capabilities and support NATO operations.
