Airbus CC-330 Husky
| Company type | Military aircraft fleet |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace, Defense |
| Founded | 2017 |
| Headquarters | Ottawa , Canada |
| Products | Strategic airlift and air-to-air refueling aircraft |
The Airbus CC-330 Husky represents the Royal Canadian Air Force’s version of the Airbus A330 MRTT, itself based on the commercial Airbus A330. This fleet of nine aircraft is set to replace the existing five Airbus CC-150 Polaris planes, fulfilling roles in strategic airlift and air-to-air refueling operations.
Development
Plans to substitute the CC-150 Polaris were announced by the Canadian Armed Forces and the Government of Canada in June 2017.
By July 2022, Canada had finalized an agreement to procure two pre-owned Airbus A330-200s, which would be converted to meet A330 MRTT specifications, with an additional four aircraft planned, bringing the total to six.
In July 2023, the procurement expanded to a total of nine aircraft—comprising eight MRTTs and one dedicated VIP transport. Of these, four will be newly manufactured by Airbus, while five will come from secondhand commercial sources. Operations will be based out of two locations positioned in eastern and western Canada. Initially, Ottawa International Airport will serve as a temporary base for the first pair of aircraft.
The first former Kuwait Airways plane, numbered 330002, was commissioned into service in November 2023 for VIP and strategic transport duties; the subsequent aircraft, 330003, entered service in February 2024.
These tankers are outfitted with both probe and drogue and flying boom refueling capabilities, enabling them to service any NATO or allied aircraft and thereby strengthening NORAD operational support.
Operational history
During his visit on May 26–27, 2025, King Charles III traveled to and from Ottawa aboard aircraft 330002 while attending the State Opening of the Parliament of Canada.