Canada's first new CC-330 air tanker delayed until late 2027
The Royal Canadian Air Force will get its inaugural CC-330 Husky tanker no earlier than late 2027, pushing back the rollout of its new aerial refuelling fleet.
In July 2023 the Canadian government committed roughly $3.6 billion to acquire nine Airbus A330s, five of which are former Kuwait Airways aircraft and four are fresh builds, to form the CC-330 Husky fleet that will replace the aging Airbus 310 tankers. To date, three used jets have been delivered; one is in heavy maintenance at Mirabel Airport, a second is being fitted with a new interior in Switzerland for VIP transport, and a third is headed to Spain for conversion into an air tanker.
The first new-build tanker is undergoing tests in Spain while three more are being assembled in Toulouse, France. A Department of National Defence spokesperson confirmed the first delivery will occur in late 2027, with initial operational capability expected in 2028-29 and full capability by 2032-33. Until then, the RCAF’s CF-18s and upcoming F-35s will continue to depend on existing tankers for Arctic patrols, and the older A310 fleet will remain in service until 2030.
Why it matters
The delay affects Canada's ability to sustain air patrols over the Arctic, a key element of its northern defence strategy.
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