Canada’s air force is set to receive its 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 is replacing its aging Airbus 310s for the first time.
The wide-body jets serve as the mainstay of the air force’s intercontinental fleet, responsible for transporting troops and the prime minister worldwide. However, their primary significance lies in their role as aerial refueling stations, vital for enhancing continental defense.
According to a Department of National Defence spokesperson, the initial new aircraft is scheduled for delivery to the RCAF in late 2027. In July 2023, Canada procured nine Airbus A330s for around $3.6 billion, comprising five used jets with minimal service history from Kuwait Airways and four new planes.
Currently, three of the pre-owned Airbus aircraft have been received in their original commercial configuration. While these planes are utilized for passenger transport, including the prime minister’s travels, one has entered scheduled maintenance, one is undergoing refurbishment in Switzerland, and another is being transformed into an air tanker in Spain.
The first newly built tanker is in the testing phase in Spain, with the other three under production in Toulouse, France. The RCAF’s CF-18 and upcoming F-35 fleets necessitate air tankers to maintain patrols over the Arctic, as fighter jets quickly deplete fuel and rely on tankers to extend their operational range.
The new tankers will feature the necessary equipment to refuel all NATO aircraft, unlike the aircraft they are replacing, lacking the large boom crucial for refueling certain aircraft types like the C-17 cargo plane and the F-35.
Moreover, the new V-VIP Airbus, currently being retrofitted in Switzerland for the prime minister’s use, will be equipped with a “self-protection suite” to counter potential missile threats. The system, comprising lasers, flares, and other countermeasures, aims to safeguard the aircraft from missile attacks.
The air force anticipates initial operational capability for the CC-330 Husky fleet in 2028-29, with full operational capability for all nine jets expected by 2032-33. Although the jets are presently stationed in Ottawa, new facilities are under construction in Trenton, Ont., and Edmonton.
The RCAF’s existing fleet of five Airbus A310s, known as the CC-150 Polaris, initially served as passenger jets for Wardair in the late 1980s. While one A310 has been decommissioned and transformed into a museum piece, the remaining three will remain in service until 2030.
The incident involving one A310 in 2023, where it collided with a French cargo plane due to parking brake failure, highlighted safety concerns. Flight safety investigations attributed the incident to multiple factors, including crew fatigue and inadequate checklist procedures.
The air force’s transition to the new air tanker fleet signifies a significant advancement in Canada’s aerial defense capabilities, ensuring enhanced mobility and operational efficiency for its fighter jets.
