Canada’s air force is set to receive the first of four new air tankers by the end of next year, which are crucial for refuelling fighter jets in the Arctic. The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has provided details on the CC-330 Husky fleet, intended to replace the aging Airbus 310s. These wide-body jets serve as the core of the air force’s intercontinental fleet, responsible for transporting troops and the prime minister worldwide. However, their primary function as aerial refuelling stations is vital for enhancing continental defense efforts.
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 approximately $3.6 billion, consisting of five pre-owned jets with minimal service history from Kuwait Airways and four brand-new aircraft. The precise number of new planes expected to be delivered by next year was undisclosed until now.
At present, three pre-owned Airbus planes have been received in their original airline configuration. These aircraft are currently utilized for passenger transport, including the prime minister’s travels, with one undergoing scheduled maintenance at Mirabel Airport. The fourth aircraft is being refurbished in Switzerland, while the fifth is undergoing modifications in Spain to become an air tanker. The initial new-build tanker is undergoing testing in Spain, while the other three new builds are in production in Toulouse, France.
The RCAF’s fleet of CF-18s and upcoming F-35s necessitate air tankers to conduct Arctic patrols effectively. Fighter jets consume fuel rapidly, necessitating frequent refuelling to extend their operational range and duration. The significance of this role was demonstrated during the recent FIFA World Cup games in Toronto, where an aging air tanker supported CF-18s in prolonged aerial operations over the stadium.
The new tankers will be equipped with the necessary boom and hoses to refuel all NATO-compatible aircraft. In contrast, the aircraft they are replacing lacked a large boom essential for refuelling certain aircraft types like the C-17 cargo plane and the F-35, commonly used by the U.S. Air Force.
Regarding the new V-VIP Airbus destined for the prime minister, it will feature a “self-protection suite” to defend against potential missile threats, including technologies like lasers, flares, and countermeasure systems. Although many components of this system will not be visible externally, certain bulges on the aircraft’s skin will indicate their presence, prompting attention from plane enthusiasts and foreign entities.
The air force estimates that the initial operational capability of the CC-330 Husky fleet is planned for 2028-29, with full operational capability of all nine jets expected to be achieved by 2032-33. The current jets are stationed in Ottawa, with new facilities under construction in Trenton, Ont., and Edmonton.
The RCAF’s existing fleet of five Airbus A310s, also known as the CC-150 Polaris, which originated as Wardair passenger jets in the late 1980s, will remain in service until 2030. Notably, one A310 was written off in 2023 following a parking lot incident in Guam, where it collided with a parked French cargo plane due to parking brake failure. The remaining three A310s will continue operations until the designated retirement date.
In conclusion, the RCAF’s modernization efforts through the acquisition of new air tankers and enhanced aircraft capabilities reflect Canada’s commitment to bolstering its aerial defense capabilities and ensuring operational effectiveness in critical missions.
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