The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) will acquire two Airbus A330-200 aircraft to replace part of its former Polaris CC-150 fleet, the Department of National Defense (DND) announced on Thursday, a fleet that includes Can Force One, the VIP . planes used to transport the prime minister, the governor general and other prominent figures.
The final contract for the two aircraft is valued at US $ 102 million and was awarded to the International Airfinance Corporation, according to a DND statement.
The aircraft, which were manufactured in 2015, will replace the CC-150 Polaris aircraft, which the RCAF has flown since 1992. The aircraft perform most of the RCAF’s air-to-air refueling.
“After nearly 30 years of exceptional service, the RCAF looks to the future of this crucial capability,” the press release says.
The VIP aircraft used to transport the Prime Minister and Governor General on overseas travel is a modified Polaris CC-150.
The DND says in the statement that the newly acquired aircraft “will play an integral role in the supply of air-to-air fuel, strategic air transportation, aeromedical evacuations and strategic transportation of Canadian government personnel, including the transportation of the Prime Minister, Governor General , and others, over the next few decades. “
The acquisition is part of the government’s Strategic Tanker Transport Capability project, a procurement project to replace the Polaris CC-150. The government wants to buy six planes in total.
The Airbus A330-200 is a commercial aircraft. Airbus will modify the two aircraft to meet the needs of the military, the DND press release says.
DND says the replacement aircraft “will offer RCAF greater flexibility, allowing planners to select the most appropriate aircraft for a specific air transportation mission, and will increase RCAF’s ability to respond to unexpected operational requirements. , such as national or international or humanitarian emergencies.
Defense Minister Anita Anand said the Airbus A330-200 was chosen for its capabilities and value.
“The Government of Canada is committed to providing the Canadian Armed Forces with the equipment they need at the best value for money. We look forward to accepting these two aircraft as they represent an important first step in eventually replacing the capacity it offers. currently the CC150. Polaris Fleet, “he said in a press release.
The government estimates that the two planes will arrive in the winter of 2023.