Canada’s air force is set to receive the first of four new air tankers by the end of next year, essential for refueling fighter jets in the Arctic. The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has provided details on the CC-330 Husky fleet, which will replace the aging Airbus 310s. These wide-body jets are crucial for the air force’s global operations, including transporting troops and the prime minister. However, their primary role as airborne refueling stations is vital for enhancing Canada’s continental defense.
According to a Department of National Defence spokesperson, the initial new aircraft delivery to the RCAF is scheduled for late 2027. In July 2023, Canada acquired nine Airbus A330s for around $3.6 billion, comprising five used jets with minimal service history from Kuwait Airways and four brand-new planes. The number of new aircraft slated for delivery by the following year had not been previously disclosed.
Presently, three of the used Airbus planes have arrived, configured for their original airline operations. They are currently engaged in passenger transport, including facilitating the prime minister’s travels globally. One aircraft is undergoing scheduled maintenance at Mirabel Airport, while another is being revamped in Switzerland and the fifth in Spain for conversion into an air tanker. The first newly constructed tanker is undergoing testing in Spain, with the remaining three under production in Toulouse, France.
The RCAF’s CF-18 fleet, along with the upcoming F-35s, necessitate air tankers to maintain Arctic patrols. These fighter jets consume fuel rapidly and frequently rely on air tankers to extend their operational time and range. This was exemplified during the recent FIFA World Cup games in Toronto, where an aging air tanker supported CF-18s for extended periods over the stadium.
The new tankers will be equipped with boom and hose systems to refuel all NATO-compatible aircraft. In contrast, the aircraft they are replacing lacked the necessary large boom, critical for refueling U.S. Air Force-designed planes like the C-17 cargo aircraft and F-35s.
Regarding the new V-VIP Airbus intended for the prime minister, it will feature a “self-protection suite” to enhance defense against potential missile threats. This comprehensive system may include lasers, flares, and aluminum foil designed to counter incoming missiles. While most components of this system will not be visibly apparent, certain bulges on the aircraft’s exterior will signify their presence.
The air force anticipates that plane enthusiasts and foreign entities will take note of these features and their capabilities. The CC-330 Husky fleet’s initial operational capability is projected for 2028-29, with full operational readiness of all nine jets expected by 2032-33. Presently housed in Ottawa, the jets will be relocated to new facilities being constructed in Trenton, Ontario, and Edmonton.
The current fleet of five Airbus A310s, known as the CC-150 Polaris, will remain in service until 2030. Originally Wardair passenger jets from the late 1980s, one of these aircraft now serves as a museum piece in Trenton. Another A310 was involved in a mishap in Guam in 2023, leading to its write-off. The remaining three A310s will continue operations until 2030.
In summary, the upgrade to the new CC-330 Husky fleet signifies a significant advancement for Canada’s air force capabilities, particularly in supporting aerial missions and defense operations.