Canada’s air force is awaiting the delivery of four new air tankers crucial for refueling fighter jets in the Arctic, with the first expected by the end of next year. The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has revealed details about the status of the CC-330 Husky fleet, which is set to replace the aging Airbus 310s that serve as the backbone of the air force’s intercontinental operations, including transporting troops and the prime minister globally.
The Department of National Defence confirmed that the initial new aircraft will be handed over to the RCAF in late 2027. In a recent deal, Canada acquired nine Airbus A330s for around $3.6 billion in July 2023, comprising five lightly used jets from Kuwait Airways and four brand-new planes.
Currently, three of the pre-owned Airbus planes have been received, with one undergoing maintenance at Mirabel Airport, another being refitted in Switzerland, and the fifth being converted into an air tanker in Spain. The first new tanker is undergoing testing in Spain, while the remaining three are being manufactured in Toulouse, France.
The RCAF’s fleet of CF-18s and upcoming F-35s require air tankers to extend their patrol time over the Arctic, a crucial aspect during events like the recent FIFA World Cup games in Toronto. The new tankers will feature the necessary equipment to refuel all NATO-compatible aircraft, unlike the previous models lacking the essential boom required for certain aircraft like the F-35.
Furthermore, the new V-VIP Airbus jet, currently being refurbished in Switzerland for the prime minister’s use, will be equipped with a “self-protection suite” to defend against missile attacks. This system includes advanced technologies to counter incoming threats, with some components discreetly integrated into the aircraft structure.
According to the air force, the CC-330 Husky fleet is expected to achieve initial operational capability by 2028-29, with full operational readiness for all nine jets by 2032-33. The existing A310 fleet will remain in service until 2030, with one aircraft decommissioned following an incident in Guam in 2023.
The relocation of the air tankers to new facilities in Trenton, Ont., and Edmonton is also underway to support their operational requirements.
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