Canada's first newly built CC-330 Husky tanker completes maiden flight in Spain
Canada's first new-build CC-330 Husky tanker has completed its maiden flight from Airbus' facility in Getafe, Spain, marking a new milestone in the Royal Canadian Air Force's program to replace its aging CC-150 Polaris fleet. The aircraft flew on July 2, 2026, according to Airbus. It is expected to be delivered to Canada in 2027 after conversion and flight testing. The CC-330 Husky is Canada's designation for the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport, a military tanker and transport aircraft based on the A330-200 airliner. The new-build aircraft is part of Canada's Strategic Tanker Transport Capability project, which will give the RCAF a fleet of nine CC-330 Huskies. The fleet will include four new Airbus A330 MRTTs and five used A330-200 aircraft converted to MRTT configuration. Canada has already received transport-configured CC-330 aircraft, but the latest flight marks the first flight of a new-build aircraft being prepared for the full tanker role. The Government of Canada says the CC-330 fleet will replace the CC-150 Polaris and support air-to-air refueling, military passenger and cargo airlift, medical evacuations and strategic transport for Government of Canada officials. The new fleet will give Canada additional tanker and long-range transport capacity for Canadian, NORAD, NATO and coalition missions. The first full MRTT-capable CC-330 delivery remains scheduled for 2027, according to the Government of Canada. Initial operational capability is planned for 2028-2029, with final operational capability expected in 2032-2033. The CC-330 program has moved through several milestones since Canada selected the A330 MRTT to replace the Polaris. Canada's first used A330-200 arrived in the country in August 2023 for acceptance work and use by the RCAF in the strategic airlift role. The first CC-330 entered service with the RCAF in November 2023, followed by a second aircraft in February 2024. Canada accepted its fifth and final used CC-330 in February 2025. In June 2025, Canada's first new CC-330, known as Husky 006, was flown from Airbus' facility in Toulouse, France, to Getafe, where it began conversion work to the multi-role tanker transport configuration. The Government of Canada awarded the main CC-330 acquisition contract to Airbus Defence and Space in June 2023. The Government of Canada awarded Airbus Defence and Space a CAD 3.6 billion contract in June 2023 for nine CC-330 aircraft, associated equipment, integrated logistics support elements, training simulators and sustainment. Canada also awarded three long-term in-service support contracts for the CC-330 fleet in 2026. Two contracts went to L3Harris MAS for maintenance and materiel support, while a third went to Airbus Defence and Space for original manufacturer support services. The Government of Canada lists the CC-330 as a twin-engine, long-range multi-role tanker transport aircraft with seating for more than 250 passengers and a range of 13,900 km with a 10-ton payload. The RCAF plans to operate the CC-330 fleet from main operating bases in eastern and western Canada. CFB Trenton will serve as the eastern main operating base, while Canada has been negotiating with Edmonton International Airport for a western main operating base.