The first A330 intended for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has landed in Getafe, Spain, where it will be converted into a Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT). This marks the first tangible step in the _Strategic Tanker Transport Capability Project_ through which Canada intends to modernize its strategic transport and in-flight refueling capabilities, replacing the fleet of CC-150 Polaris currently in service.
The program plans for a total fleet of **nine A330 MRTTs,** including **five derived from second-hand commercial A330-200 aircraft**, like the one arrived today in Getafe and **four brand new ones**. The **first A330 MRTT delivery to the RCAF is expected by 2027**. The aircraft will be assembled and converted at the Airbus Defence and Space facilities in Spain, where all necessary modifications will be made to meet the multiple required tasks.
#### Operational Capabilities
The new Canadian MRTT will be equipped with a **dual in-flight refueling configuration** with a **hose and drogue system** (for aircraft like the F/A-18) and a **rigid boom** (to refuel aircraft such as the F-35 or the A330 itself), **advanced protection systems**, including **electronic countermeasures**, and **installable medical evacuation modules** (MEDEVAC), taking advantage of compatibility with the **Airbus Medical Evacuation kit**, already in use by other MRTT operators.
This new capability represents a generational leap for the RCAF. In addition to in-flight refueling and transportation of troops and cargo, the new Canadian MRTT will strengthen Canada’s international projection in NATO and UN missions, also providing strategic medical evacuation capabilities.
The project, in addition to providing greater range and higher payloads than the current Polaris (based on A310), will bring **interoperable standardization with other NATO allies**, such as France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and Norway, which already operate A330 MRTT.
