The first Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) built for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has completed its maiden flight in Spain, moving Canada's next-generation tanker program into the flight-test phase.
The aircraft, designated CC-330 Husky, flew from Airbus' facility in Getafe on July 2. Airbus said deliveries remain on schedule to begin in 2027.
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Canada ordered nine CC-330 Huskies under its Strategic Tanker Transport Capability program. The fleet includes four newly built A330 MRTTs and five second-hand Airbus A330-200s that will be converted to the same configuration. They will replace the RCAF's CC-150 Polaris aircraft, a military derivative of the Airbus A310.
The Canadian MRTT will feature both boom and hose-and-drogue aerial refueling systems, enabling it to refuel aircraft from the United States, NATO and other allied air forces. The configuration also includes defensive countermeasures and enhanced cybersecurity protection.
RCAF first CC-330 Husky MRTT | Airbus 
RCAF first CC-330 Husky MRTT | Airbus
The five converted A330s entered service first in a transport role. The newly built MRTTs will add aerial refueling capability together with passenger transport, aeromedical evacuation and government transport missions.
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Canada recently awarded approximately C$1.5 billion in long-term support contracts for the CC-330 fleet. Airbus will provide manufacturer support services, and L3Harris MAS will handle maintenance, logistics, engineering and airworthiness management.
Ottawa selected the A330 MRTT after evaluating both the Airbus tanker and Boeing's KC-46A Pegasus. The type already serves with more than a dozen air forces worldwide and has become one of the most widely adopted aerial refueling aircraft currently in operation.
Once the entire fleet enters service, the CC-330 Husky will assume Canada's strategic airlift and tanker missions in support of both NORAD and NATO operations.
