Photos: Airbus Defence and Space
The aircraft took off from Airbus’s factory airfield in Getafe near Madrid and will be delivered to the operator next year. It is one of four factory-new aircraft and will join five whose airframes come from the second-hand market (three of which have already been delivered).
Eight will be configured as tankers and one as a VIP transport aircraft. They will receive the designation CC-330 Husky (originally CC-300) and their procurement is being carried out under the STTC (Strategic Tanker Transport Capability) program, which ultimately aims to replace five Airbus CC-150 Polaris aircraft (the military variant of the A310-300).
Image: Airbus Defence and Space
All of them are receiving Elbit Systems of Israel’s DIRCM (Direct Infrared Counter Measures) aircraft protection system suites and IMWS (Infrared Missile Warning System) infrared illumination warning system suites.
The CC-330 Husky is entering service with No. 437 Transport Squadron, 8 Wing, Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), at CFB Trenton in Ontario.
Canada’s A330 MRTTs are being fitted with a rigid refueling boom under the fuselage and underwing hose-and-drogue pods, cybersecurity measures, and the aforementioned self-protection systems. Each of them will be convertible into a medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) aircraft using ordered Airbus Medical Evacuation Kit sets, comprising two intensive care stations and additional stretchers for patients.
The first A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft “CC330 Husky” for the @RCAF_ARC took to the skies for the very first time today at our Getafe facilities in Spain! ✈️🇨🇦
Everything is on track for delivery next year. ⏳ The RCAF’s A330 MRTT will be equipped with both… pic.twitter.com/9pT33EhpdG
— Airbus Defence (@AirbusDefence) July 2, 2026
See also: