Air force's 1st new refuelling jet won't be delivered until late 2027
Canada's air force will have to wait until the end of next year before it receives the first of four new air tankers critical to refuelling fighter jets in the Arctic.
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has for the first time outlined the state of the CC-330 Husky fleet purchased to replace its aging Airbus 310s.
The wide-body jets are the backbone of the air force's intercontinental fleet, flying troops and the prime minister around the globe.
But it's their role as flying gas stations that matters so much as Canada looks to boost continental defence.
A spokesperson for the Department of National Defence said in a statement to CBC News that the first new aircraft will be "delivered to the RCAF in late 2027."
In July 2023, Canada purchased nine Airbus A330s for approximately $3.6 billion — five used jets, which saw less than 10 years' service with Kuwait Airways, and four brand new planes.
Until now, the department had not disclosed how many of the new aircraft would be delivered by next year.
So far, three of the used Airbus planes have arrived, in their original airline configuration.
They are being used to transport passengers, including the prime minister, around the world. However, one has already gone into a scheduled heavy maintenance at Mirabel Airport.
The fourth is in Switzerland getting a new interior and defence components, and the fifth is in Spain to be refitted as an air tanker.
The first new-build tanker is in testing in Spain, while the other three new builds are in production in Toulouse, France.
The RCAF's fleet of CF-18s and soon its new F-35s need air tankers to stay on patrol over the Arctic. Fighter jets quickly burn through fuel, and frequently work with air tankers to extend the time and distance they can stay aloft.
This role was highlighted during the FIFA World Cup games in Toronto this summer.
One of the air force's aging air tankers was able to help CF-18s stay aloft over the stadium for hours at a time.
5News aggregated this summary from the outlet’s public feed. The full article, with all the context, is on www.cbc.ca — the content belongs to CBC Politics.
