Canada finalizes acquisition of two Airbus A330-200s for the RCAF

Canada’s Department of National Defense (DND) has finalized a contract to acquire two Airbus A330-200s for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).

The $77.866 million (C$102 million) contract for the acquisition of two A330-200 aircraft, manufactured in 2015, has been awarded to International AirFinance (IAFC).

Both aircraft will replace and renew the Strategic Tanker Transport (STTC) capability offered by the RCAF’s existing fleet of CC-150 Polaris aircraft, which has been in service since 1992.

Both aircraft will later become part of the STTC fleet.

With the latest acquisition, the number of aircraft in the STTC fleet is now expected to be six.

The STTC project is part of Canada’s defense policy, called “Strong, Secure, Engaged (SSE)”.

It aims to replace and renew the RCAF’s air-to-air refueling (AAR) capability for the next generation.

Canadian DND Minister Anita Anand said, “The Government of Canada is committed to providing the Canadian Armed Forces with the equipment they need at the best value.

“We look forward to accepting these two aircraft as they represent an important first step in eventually replacing the capability currently provided by the CC150 Polaris fleet. »

Delivery of both devices in Canada is scheduled for late next year.

These aircraft will arrive in commercial configuration and will initially be used for passenger/cargo roles.

Airbus Defense and Space will later modify both aircraft to the military specifications required to serve as a multi-role aircraft within the STTC fleet.

In addition, the new aircraft will carry Canadian government personnel and play a crucial role in providing AAR, strategic airlift, aeromedical evacuations and strategic capabilities.