Strategic Tanker Transport Capability Project - Draft Invitation to Qualify

Strategic Tanker Transport Capability Project - Draft Invitation to Qualify.

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) on behalf of the Department of National Defence (DND) is issuing a draft Invitation to Qualify for the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) Strategic Tanker Transport Capability (STTC) project. This project, which is part of Strong, Secure, Engaged, seeks to replace and renew our air-to-air refueling capability for the next generation.

Since 1994, the CC-150 Polaris aircraft and its crews have provided outstanding service to Canada.

The Polaris fleet is capable of filling multiple roles – including cargo airlift, medical evacuations, the transport of Canadian Armed Forces and government personnel, and air-to-air refueling. Over the past 10 years, the CC-150 Polaris fleet has been utilized over 90% of its time completing strategic airlifts, air-to-air refueling and aeromedical missions.

 The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is looking for a new fleet of multi-role aircraft that possess the following capabilities:

• Air-to-air refuelling capability to accommodate all NATO and NORAD aircraft, including whichever aircraft is selected by the Future Fighter Capability Project;
• The ability to be reconfigured to support missions for strategic airlift and aeromedical evacuations;
• Upgraded secure communications systems; and
• A Self-protection system.

The Polaris fleet provides the majority of air-to-air refueling for our fighter fleet. This capability allows the RCAF to extend our fighter fleet range and operating time, which is critical to our contribution our NORAD and NATO partners. The Polaris fleet has seen extensive use home and abroad, including on Operation IMPACT, where it has delivered more than 65 million pounds of fuel to coalition aircraft.

After 25 years of service, the aircraft are in need of replacement. In 2020, aircraft availability has significantly increased while average aircraft prices from major suppliers are reportedly lower. Due to significant changes in the global aircraft market this year, the Canadian Armed Forces are taking the prudent step of exploring all options for the long-planned replacement of this fleet.

Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy, including the value proposition, will apply to this procurement to leverage economic benefits for Canada equal to the value of the contract. Through the ITB Policy, the STTC project will leverage investments and business activities in support of Canada’s key industrial capabilities.

Quick Facts

- The Strategic Tanker Transport Capability (STTC) is part of Canada’s Defence Policy Strong, Secured, Engaged under Initiative 47, and has been part of the Defence Capabilities Blueprint since 2018.

- The STTC is accounted and will be paid for under existing funds in the SSE fiscal framework.

- This investment will enhance the existing transport capacity provided by the CC-177 and CC-130J fleets, allowing for the more efficient movement of personnel and equipment.

- These new aircraft will also be equipped to airlift large numbers of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel and their equipment in support of operations and training activities within Canada, including in Canada’s Arctic regions, and around the world. 

- This fleet also facilitates the travel of government officials and delegations for meetings and conferences like the G20, including the transport of the Prime Minister and the Governor General. 

- On 18 October 2019 while being towed into a hangar at 8 Wing Trenton by contracted maintenance personnel, Polaris CC-15001 suffered significant structural damage to the nose and right engine cowling when the aircraft rolled into the back wall of a hangar.