L3Harris Technologies and Airbus have signed 1.5 billion Canadian dollars ($1.07 billion) in contracts to maintain the operability of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) new CC-330 Husky tanker/transport aircraft.
For the projects, L3Harris secured two contracts worth approximately 1.1 billion Canadian dollars ($789.2 million) for sustainment and materiel assistance over the next decade.
Meanwhile, Airbus received 374 million Canadian dollars ($268.3 million) for engineering and airworthiness services to ensure the fleet’s preparedness.
Ottawa said the deals align with its NATO defense spending goals, enhancing the aerospace and defense industry in the long term while securing military readiness under the broader defense strategy.
Collectively, the latest contracts will support 720 jobs across Quebec, Ontario, and Alberta, and are expected to generate 90 million Canadian dollars ($64.5 million) annually in gross domestic product.
Making ‘Mission-Ready and Available’ Systems
Canada specified that the latest investments will back the RCAF’s strategic missions, including aerial replenishment, troop and equipment logistics, and medical evacuations.
The North American government’s purchase of nine CC-330 Husky aircraft, alongside four new and five converted Airbus A330s, replaces the RCAF’s aging CC-150 Polaris fleet, in service since the 1990s
Delivery of the Huskies began in 2023, and shipments of the A330s are set to start in 2027.
“The Strategic Tanker Transport Capability project is delivering the aircraft the Royal Canadian Air Force requires to operate with reach and effectiveness at home and abroad,” Canadian Defence Minister David McGuinty stated.
“These long-term support contracts will ensure Canada’s CC-330 Husky fleet remains mission-ready and available to respond to evolving threats, safeguard our sovereignty, and uphold Canada’s enduring commitments to our allies — whenever and wherever required.”
