Canada is replacing its aging fleet of Polaris VIP and transport aircraft with nine new Airbus planes, including one specifically for high-ranking government officials. Defence Minister Anita Anand announced this after years of mechanical issues with the old fleet. This replacement initiative, known as the Strategic Tanker Transport Capability Project, aims to improve the Royal Canadian Air Force’s air mobility and air-to-air refueling capacity. The CC-150 Polaris will be replaced by A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft, forming the CC-330 Husky fleet with a projected lifespan of 30 years.
The Canadian Air Force’s main executive jet was grounded in October 2019 due to significant structural damage from a hangar accident. Additionally, a Canadian Polaris recently made contact with a French military plane while on the ground in Guam. Investigations are underway for the latter incident. The Polaris fleet was initially acquired in 1992.
Out of the nine aircraft making up the CC-330 Husky fleet, four will be new, while the remaining five will be used planes purchased from the commercial market. These aircraft will serve as true multi-role planes, providing air-to-air refueling, strategic troop and passenger transport, and specialized aeromedical evacuations when necessary. Furthermore, one of the used planes will be utilized for secure government official transport and can be converted into a Multi-Role Tanker Transport.
In parallel, the Canadian government is close to announcing the company that will replace the military’s 14 CP-140 Aurora maritime patrol planes, which are set to retire in 2030 after almost 50 years of service. Bombardier and Boeing are contenders for the contract, but no final decisions have been made.
Refueling will be a significant role for the Polaris replacement planes, not only for the RCAF’s current and future fighter aircraft but also for those used by the U.S. as part of NORAD and NATO partners. The department expects the need for new infrastructure to house the aircraft, with two main operating bases in eastern and western Canada, as well as at least one NORAD forward operating location. The specific locations are yet to be determined, with the announcement for the eastern Canada base scheduled for later this year. In the meantime, Ottawa International Airport will serve as the location for the initial two used planes. The delivery of the first two used planes is expected in the summer and fall of 2023, followed by aircrew conversion training and the arrival of the other three planes in 2024.
In summary, Canada is modernizing its aircraft fleet with nine new Airbus planes, including a dedicated aircraft for government officials. This initiative aims to enhance the air mobility and refueling capabilities of the Royal Canadian Air Force. The replacements will be known as the CC-330 Husky fleet, and they will serve various roles, such as air-to-air refueling and troop transport. The government is also considering options for replacing their CP-140 Aurora planes in the future. Infrastructure development and location decisions are underway, with the initial delivery of used planes expected in 2023.
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