Canada is moving to secure the long-term operational edge of its next-generation tanker and transport capability, with a major investment aimed not just at acquiring aircraft—but ensuring they remain mission-ready for decades to come.

On March 30 in Mirabel, Quebec, the Government of Canada announced a significant step forward under the Strategic Tanker Transport Capability (STTC) project, awarding three long-term in-service support contracts for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) new CC-330 Husky fleet. The contracts—valued at approximately $1.5 billion—signal a shift toward lifecycle sustainment as a cornerstone of defence capability.

Two of the contracts have been awarded to L3Harris MAS Inc. for maintenance and materiel support, while Airbus Defence and Space S.A. will provide original equipment manufacturer support services. Together, these agreements will deliver the engineering, repair, overhaul, and material management needed to keep the fleet operational throughout its service life.

“These contracts reflect our commitment to delivering timely and effective procurements that strengthen Canada’s aerospace sector, while ensuring the Royal Canadian Air Force has the modern and reliable capabilities it needs. By investing in Canadian industry and partnering with trusted allies, we are building a stronger, more resilient defence supply chain for the future,” stated the Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant.

At the heart of the investment is a clear objective: readiness. From heavy maintenance and regulatory compliance to spare parts management and specialized engineering, the contracts cover the full spectrum of sustainment required to ensure the CC-330 Husky remains safe, reliable, and available when called upon.

“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. 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,” expressed the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence.

Beyond operational readiness, the contracts are also designed to deliver tangible economic impact. The initiative is expected to support or create up to 720 jobs across Quebec, Ontario, and Alberta, while contributing approximately $90 million annually to Canada’s GDP. Through the Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy, the investment will further drive innovation and high-value job creation across the country’s aerospace and defence sectors.

“These contracts reflect exactly what our Defence Industrial Strategy is designed to achieve: strengthening Canada’s industrial base, delivering critical capabilities for our brave women and men, and providing real economic benefits for Canadians. Through the Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy, our government is ensuring that every defence dollar spent supports Canadian jobs, drives innovation and strengthens our aerospace and defence sector. By working with industry, we are creating new opportunities for Canadian workers and positioning our companies to lead in a rapidly evolving world,” conveyed the Honourable Mélanie Joly
Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.

The Defence Investment Agency (DIA), established to accelerate and modernize procurement, is positioned at the centre of this effort—bridging operational requirements with industrial capacity.

“The Defence Investment Agency is delivering on its commitment to provide the Royal Canadian Air Force with modern, mission-ready capabilities. These contract awards will strengthen Canada’s aerospace sector, create good-paying jobs, and ensure the CC-330 Husky fleet receives the engineering and sustainment services it needs to remain operational. By investing in Canadian industry and partnering with trusted allies, we are building a stronger, more resilient defence supply chain for the future,” said the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement).

For the RCAF, the CC-330 Husky represents more than a fleet renewal—it is a force multiplier. The aircraft will underpin critical missions ranging from in-flight refuelling and strategic airlift to medical evacuations and allied operations.

“The in-service support contracts announced today will ensure the RCAF can maintain its strategic tanker and transport capabilities, keeping us operationally ready and strengthening our ability to project Canadian air power across Canada and in support of our commitments under NORAD and NATO. The Strategic Tanker Transport Capability project will provide the Canadian Armed Forces with an expanded tanker fleet allowing for additional autonomy on operations,” explained Lieutenant-General Jamie Speiser-Blanchet, Commander, Royal Canadian Air Force.

Industry partners are equally central to the effort, bringing both domestic expertise and global experience to the sustainment model.

“Our work will enhance Canada’s readiness for global challenges by enhancing the Royal Canadian Air Force’s ability to conduct in-flight refueling, strategic transport, medical evacuations and other critical missions. This award extends our commitment to delivering innovative and reliable solutions through the efforts of our 1,000 Canadian employees to meet Canada’s defence needs,” assured Ugo Paniconi, General Manager, MAS, L3Harris.

“Airbus is a proud partner of the Government of Canada, with a local presence for over 40 years and 5,100 employees across the country. We have supported the Canadian Armed Forces for several decades and are pleased not only to have expanded our partnership in 2023 with the acquisition of nine transport and refueling aircraft, but also to be collaborating on the maintenance of our platforms. The CC-330 Husky will be a key strategic asset for the Royal Canadian Air Force. Airbus is proud to work with its partners to ensure that Canada can fulfill its commitments to NORAD, NATO, and the international community,” said Jean-François Godbout, Managing Director, Airbus Defence and Space Canada Inc.

As Canada continues to align defence spending with NATO commitments and reinforce its Defence Industrial Strategy, the CC-330 Husky sustainment model offers a clear signal: capability is no longer defined solely by acquisition, but by the ability to maintain readiness—at scale, at speed, and over time.