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Airbus CC-330 Husky

The Airbus CC-330 Husky is an in-development Royal Canadian Air Force version of the Airbus A330 MRTT based on the civilian Airbus A330 . [ 1 ] Nine aircraft will replace the ex...

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The Airbus CC-330 Husky is an in-development Royal Canadian Air Force version of the Airbus A330 MRTT based on the civilian Airbus A330.[1] Nine aircraft will replace the existing Airbus CC-150 Polaris fleet of five aircraft in the strategic transport and air refuelling roles.[2]

Development

In June 2017, the Canadian Armed Forces and Government of Canada announced their plan to procure a CC-150 Polaris replacement.[3]

In July 2022, the Government of Canada announced a deal to acquire two used Airbus A330-200s which would be modified to A330 MRTT configuration, with four more to be acquired later, for a total of six aircraft.[4]

In July 2023, the order was increased to nine aircraft,[5] eight of which will be MRTT and one for VIP transportation. Four aircraft will be purchased new from Airbus, with five aircraft purchased used from the commercial market. Three additional A330-200s were purchased in July 2023 for C$203 million ($150 million).[6][7] Training for the crew began in January 2023, which took three months on average for a Polaris pilot.[7] The aircraft will be located at two main operating bases, one in eastern Canada and one in western Canada, and at least one NORAD forward operating location.[8][9] Ottawa International Airport has been selected as the interim operating base for the first two aircraft.[8]

The first of two, ex-Kuwait Airways aircraft, designated 330002 entered service in November 2023 as a VIP and strategic transport aircraft.[8][10] The second, designated 330003, entered service in February 2024.[10] The tankers will be equipped with both probe and drogue and flying boom refuelling equipment, permitting them to refuel any NATO or allied aircraft, which will also improve NORAD support.[9][11]

The first new-built multi-role tanker and transport aircraft completed its first flight on July 1, 2026.[12] The aircraft, designated Husky 006, will have to undergo further conversion before delivery to Canada in 2027.[12] The Husky is expected to reach initial operational capability by 2029, and full operational capability in 2032-33.[12]

Operational history

King Charles III arrived at and departed from Ottawa, Canada on aircraft 330002 during his May 26 and 27, 2025 visit to attend the State Opening of the Parliament of Canada.[13]

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

  1. ↑"Canada takes delivery of first CC-330 Husky aircraft". Skies Magazine. 6 September 2023.
  2. ↑Canadian Press (25 July 2023). "Ottawa buying nine Airbus planes to replace Polaris fleet, including PM's plane". CTV News. Archived from the original on 5 August 2025. Retrieved 25 July 2023.
  3. ↑Strong, Secure, Engaged: Canada's Defence Policy(PDF) (Report). Department of National Defence. 2017. p. 39. ISBN 978-0-660-08443-5. Archived from the original(PDF) on 4 July 2017.
  4. ↑National Defence (13 July 2022). "Canada moves forward with the acquisition of aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force". canada.ca (News Release). Retrieved 14 July 2022.
  5. ↑Passifiume, Bryan (2 October 2023). "New aircraft expected to fix Canada's transport plane woes". National Post.
  6. ↑Passifiume, Bryan (2 October 2023). "New aircraft expected to fix Canada's transport plane woes". Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  7. 12Ritchie, Sarah (25 July 2023). "Ottawa buying nine Airbus planes to replace Polaris fleet, including prime minister's plane". CBC. Canadian Press. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  8. 123National Defence (25 July 2023). "The Strategic Tanker Transport Capability Project and NORAD Modernization". canada.ca. Retrieved 25 July 2023.
  9. 12"Nine Huskies to Replace Five Polarises". Canadian Aviator. 29 July 2023. Archived from the original on 21 June 2025. Retrieved 29 July 2023.
  10. 12National Defence (2 July 2025). "Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces". canada.ca (Project summary).
  11. ↑Niles, Russ (26 July 2023). "Canada Buys Nine A330 Tanker/Cargo Planes". AVweb. Archived from the original on 21 June 2025. Retrieved 27 July 2023.
  12. 123Coyne, Todd (4 July 2026). "Canada's first new military tanker takes flight in milestone for $3.6B fleet renewal". CP24. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
  13. ↑"King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrive in Canada". CPAC. 26 May 2025 – via YouTube.
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