The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is one step closer to modernizing its aerial refuelling fleet: the first Airbus A330, destined to become a CC‑330 Husky MRTT, has arrived at Airbus’ Getafe, Spain conversion facility and officially begun its transformation into a Multi‑Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft .
Background & Context
- Strategic Tanker Transport Capability (STTC): In July 2023, Canada finalized a C$3 billion contract for nine A330‑200 aircraft—including four factory‑fresh jets and five to be converted into MRTTs—received as part of a CHF program to replace aging CC‑150 Polaris (A310) refuelers .
- Conversion timeline: All five used A330‑200s will undergo conversion in Getafe, with the first factory-built MRTTs also starting work there mid‑2025. Initial delivery to Canada is expected in 2027 .
What’s Happening Now in Spain
- Arrival at Getafe: The first Canadian-destined A330‑200 has touched down in Spain for start of its MRTT conversion—marking a significant milestone toward the CC‑330’s operational debut .
- Scope of modification: Over approximately nine months, the aircraft will be retrofitted with dual aerial-refuelling systems (boom + hose-and-drogue), cybersecurity and countermeasure suites, plus optional Medical Evacuation kits featuring ICU modules and stretchers .
Capabilities of the Upcoming CC‑330 Husky
Once converted, the A330 MRTT will deliver:
- Fuel & refuelling: Up to 111 tonnes of fuel onboard, servicing up to eight fighters per mission with a boom compatible with F‑35, C‑17, P‑8A and hose-and-drogue for aircraft like the F‑18 .
- Transport & medevac: Wide-body fuselage accommodates up to 300 troops or 45 tonnes of cargo, or can be configured with ICU beds for aeromedical missions .
- Strategic reach: With a range of 16,000 km and 18‑hour endurance, the platform serves both national and global missions .
RCAF Transition from CC‑150 Polaris to CC‑330
- Phased replacement: The CC‑150 Polaris fleet (based on the A310) has served as Canada’s primary tanker, transport, VIP carrier, and medevac asset since 2004. The A330 MRTT fleet will modernize and expand those roles .
- Enhanced interoperability: Joining a growing international A330 MRTT operator base—including Australia, UK, France, Spain, NATO MMF participants, and soon Canada—the Husky fleet will boost NORAD and NATO aerial refuelling integration .
Strategic Implications
The arrival of Canada’s first A330 at Getafe signifies a pivotal milestone in the STTC program, underpinning Canada’s ambition to field a robust, flexible, and interoperable tanker fleet. Operational deliveries in 2027 will usher in a new era of aerial capability—strengthening continental defence and expeditionary readiness.
What’s next?
Following conversion, the first CC‑330 Husky will undergo flight tests and certification in late 2026–early 2027. Subsequent aircraft, including the four newly built jets and the remaining conversions, will roll out through 2028–29 to complete RCAF deployment.
Stay tuned to Aviation Nexus for expert coverage: on-site updates from Getafe, interviews with Airbus and RCAF engineers, and analysis of how Canada’s MRTT fleet will shape Arctic, NATO, and global operations.
