The Canadian government has ordered more strategic tanker transport aircraft from Airbus in an effort to bolster its contribution to North American defense.
Last year, Canadian officials announced their intention to add four new A330 Multi Role Tanker Transports to their fleet, and negotiations with Airbus were ongoing. International Airfinance Corp., a global aircraft leasing corporation, provided the country with two utilized A330s.
But on July 25, Canadian Defense Minister Anita Anand announced that the government will purchase three additional used A330s from International Airfinance, and that Airbus Defence and Space has been selected to convert the five used aircraft into strategic carriers.
The contract between Canada and Airbus, which includes delivery of four new A330s and conversion of five used aircraft, is valued at approximately CA$3.6 billion (US$2.7 billion). Currently, the used aircraft are configured for long-haul commercial flights.
The initiative will enable the Royal Canadian Air Force to enhance its sovereignty operations, including in the Arctic, according to Anand. She added that it will also strengthen Canada’s support for the operations of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and NATO.
“The additional air-to-air refueling initiative is an integral part of Canada’s investments in NORAD modernization,” said Dan LeBouthillier, a spokesperson for the Canadian Defense Department.
The Canadian military determined in 2012 that the Airbus A330 was the only aircraft that met its needs. On 13 May 2022, the nation issued Airbus a formal request for proposal for the aircraft, and negotiations began.
Le Bouthillier stated that the aircraft will be able to refuel both the current CF-18 fighter pilots and the F-35 aircraft on order. Additionally, the tankers will be able to refuel a variety of U.S. military aircraft.
The new aircraft are anticipated by 2027.
As part of the same program, Canada is also purchasing a new simulator, but the government has not released any additional information.
Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, said in a statement released on July 25 that the A330 MRTT satisfies Canada’s requirements for protecting its sovereignty and enhancing operations within the North American Aerospace Defence Command and NATO.
The new fleet will replace the CC-150 Polaris planes that have been in service since 1992.
