Canada to quadruple aerial tanker fleet with nine CC-330 Husky multi-role aircraft
The A330 MRTT is offered with a choice of AAR systems, including the Airbus Military Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS), a pair of underwing hose and drogue pods and/or a fuselage refuelling unit. (Photo: Airbus)
The significant expansion of strategic air-to-air refuelling capability is set to strengthen the Canadian Armed Forces' operational reach and enhance its ability to support more missions, with specific focus on the High North.
Canada has awarded Airbus a C$3.6 billion (US$2.7 billion) contract to replace the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) ageing fleet of CC-150 Polaris with nine Airbus CC-330s.
The deal, awarded under the Strategic Tanker Transport Capability (STTC) project, includes purchasing four new A330 MRTT aircraft and converting five used A330-200s (from Kuwait Airways).
The fleet's primary role will be air-to-air refuelling and airlifting substantial numbers of Canadian Armed Forces personnel and equipment to support operations and training activities, Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) representatives said on a media call on 25 July.
Director general of the DND Mark Rogers said
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