Canada’s air force is set to receive the first of four new air tankers crucial for refueling fighter jets in the Arctic by the end of next year. The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has revealed the status of the CC-330 Husky fleet, which is replacing its aging Airbus 310s. These wide-body jets are vital for the air force’s intercontinental operations, including transporting troops and the prime minister globally. However, their primary function as airborne fueling stations is crucial as Canada aims to enhance its continental defense capabilities.
According to a spokesperson from the Department of National Defence, the initial new aircraft will be handed over to the RCAF by late 2027. In a deal made in July 2023, Canada secured nine Airbus A330s for about $3.6 billion, consisting of five pre-owned jets with minimal service history from Kuwait Airways and four new aircraft. The exact number of new planes to be delivered by next year had not been disclosed until now.
Currently, three of the used Airbus planes have arrived, maintained in their original airline setup. These aircraft are being utilized for passenger transport, including the prime minister, with one already undergoing scheduled maintenance. The fourth plane is undergoing interior and defense upgrades in Switzerland, while the fifth is being converted into an air tanker in Spain. The first new-build tanker is undergoing testing in Spain, while the other three are in production in Toulouse, France.
The RCAF’s CF-18 fleet and upcoming F-35s rely on air tankers to conduct prolonged patrols over the Arctic. These fighter jets consume fuel rapidly and regularly require air tankers to extend their operational range and time in the air. This necessity was exemplified during the FIFA World Cup events in Toronto earlier this year when an aging air tanker enabled CF-18s to remain airborne over the stadium for extended periods.
The new tankers being introduced will possess the necessary equipment, including a boom and hoses, to refuel all NATO-equipped aircraft. The previous aircraft lacked a large boom, essential for refueling certain aircraft like the C-17 cargo plane and the F-35, designed primarily for the U.S. Air Force.
Concerns regarding security threats to world leaders’ aircraft have arisen recently. The new V-VIP Airbus, currently being upgraded in Switzerland for the prime minister’s use, will incorporate a “self-protection suite” to defend against potential missile attacks. This suite may include lasers, flares, and aluminum foil designed to confuse or counter incoming missiles.
The air force anticipates that some components of this defense system may not be visible to the naked eye, but certain protrusions will be noticeable on the aircraft’s skin. The air force also disclosed that the initial operational capability of the CC-330 Husky fleet is slated for 2028-29, with full operational capability for all nine jets expected by 2032-33. Currently stationed in Ottawa, the jets will have new facilities constructed in Trenton, Ont., and Edmonton.
The older fleet of five Airbus A310s, known as the CC-150 Polaris, has been in service since the late 1980s. One of these A310s is now a museum piece in Trenton, having served the last three prime ministers. Another A310 was involved in a parking lot incident in Guam in 2023, resulting in its write-off. The remaining three A310s will continue in service until 2030.