The Government of Canada is acquiring a new fleet of aircraft to replace the CC-150 Polaris. Known as the CC-330 Husky, this new fleet will be comprised of nine aircraft (a mix of four new and five used A330-200), and will conduct multiple tasks such as in-flight refuelling of other aircraft, military personnel and cargo airlift, medical evacuations, and strategic transport of Government of Canada officials.

This new aircraft will improve the flexibility, responsiveness, interoperability with allied nations, communications security, and self-protection of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s current fleet.

The project will acquire an in-service support solution for the aircraft, as well as infrastructure to house and maintain the fleet at the western and eastern main operating bases. Additionally, the project will provide a training and simulation capability to prepare and maintain crew readiness.

Implementation

  • Project approval of implementation: June 2023
  • Initial Operational Capability: 2028-2029
  • Final Operational Capability: 2032-2033

Project updates

  • December 13, 2023
    • The Government of Canada hosted a virtual industry engagement focused on long-term in-service support of the CC-330 Husky fleet.
  • November 9, 2023
    • The first CC-330 Husky entered into service with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).
  • August 31, 2023
    • A first used A330-200 aircraft arrived in Canada to undertake acceptance activities and for use by the RCAF in a strategic airlift transport role.
  • June 30, 2023
    • The Government of Canada awarded a competitive contract, valued at $150M USD (taxes excluded), to International AirFinance Corporation for the procurement and preparation for three used Airbus A330-200.
  • June 19, 2023
    • Contract awarded for acquisition of nine CC-330 Husky aircraft, associated equipment, integrated logistic support elements, training simulator(s), and sustainment.
  • June 8, 2023
    • The Government of Canada granted acquisition implementation approval for the procurement of 9 CC-330 Husky aircraft (mix of 4 new and 5 used A330-200), associated equipment and integrated logistic support, and to develop and design associated infrastructure.
  • March 15, 2023
    • The Government of Canada hosted a virtual industry engagement focused on long-term in-service support of the STTC fleet.
  • January 13, 2023
    • Revised Request for Proposal for STTC aircraft acquisition released to Qualified Supplier.
  • October 21, 2022
    • Second Request for Proposal for additional used A330-200 aircraft directed to source list suppliers.
  • October 3, 2022
    • The Government of Canada hosted a virtual industry engagement focused on long-term in-service support of the STTC fleet.
  • June 13, 2022
    • The Government of Canada awarded a competitive contract, valued at $102M USD (taxes excluded), to International AirFinance Corporation for the procurement and preparation of two used Airbus A330-200.
  • June 2, 2022
    • The Government of Canada granted early implementation approval for the procurement and operationalization of two used Airbus A330-200 aircraft.
  • June 15, 2021
    • The Government of Canada hosted a virtual industry engagement event.
  • April 1, 2021
    • Following evaluation of the responses received to the Invitation to Qualify (ITQ), the Government of Canada published the name of the qualified supplier that demonstrated its ability to meet the requirements listed in the ITQ. The company is Airbus Defence and Space SA.
  • February 12, 2021
    • The Government of Canada published a final Invitation to Qualify on Buy and Sell for suppliers to qualify for the upcoming procurement process.
  • December 17, 2020
    • The Government of Canada published a draft Invitation to Qualify on Buy and Sell to solicit industry feedback.

Benefiting Canadian Industry

Industrial and regional benefits:

The Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy, including the Value Proposition (VP), applies to the STTC procurement and seeks to leverage economic benefits for Canada equal to the value of the contracts. Through the ITB Policy, the STTC Project will leverage investments and business activities in support of Canada’s VP pillars, including:

  • Defence Sector;
  • Supplier Development;
  • Skills Development and Training;
  • Research and Development; and
  • Exports.

Additionally, ISED has identified specific key industrial capabilities that align with the STTC program, including, Aerospace Systems and Components, Defence Systems Integration, Advanced Materials, ISS, Training and Simulation and Clean Technologies. ISED will motivate business activities into key industrial capabilities through the selected VP requirements.

The Aboriginal Participation Component (APC) is a mechanism designed to facilitate the Government of Canada’s commitments of advancing aboriginal socio-economic development through federal contracting opportunities, and it was introduced to suppliers through industry engagement opportunities. The APC is a portion of the value of a contract that is set aside for aboriginal participation, which can be direct or indirect (or both).

Technical information

The CC-330 is a twin-engine, long-range, multi-role tanker transport A330-200 aircraft manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space.

  • Service ceiling: 13,000 m
  • Range: 13,900 km (10 ton payload)
  • Passengers: 250+
  • Quantity: 9
  • Location: Operating bases are being determined
  • Manufacturer: Airbus Defence and Space
  • Estimated life expectancy: 30 years

Project costs

The Strategic Tanker Transport Capability acquisition and conversion cost is valued at $3.6 billion. This includes the acquisition and conversion of nine CC-330 Husky aircraft, associated equipment, training capability, integrated logistic support and sustainment.

Acquisition does not include costs associated to infrastructure and long-term in-service support of the CC-330 fleet – these will be refined based on industry feedback as the project advances.