Minister of National Defence David McGuinty (L) confirmed on Monday that $850 million in capital upgrades will go ahead at CFB Trenton
to accommodate Canada’s new fleet of nine CC-330 Husky strategic tanker transport aircraft.
By: Derek Baldwin, Belleville Intelligencer
Canadian Forces Base Trenton will see up to $850 million in new construction to enable a more responsive Royal Canadian Air Force to
meet domestic and international demands, government and military officials reaffirmed Monday.
Minister of National Defence David McGuinty confirmed the spending on Monday in a visit to Canada’s largest military air base –
first announced in March of last year – that massive capital upgrades will go ahead at CFB Trenton to accommodate Canada’s new
fleet of nine CC-330 Husky strategic tanker transport aircraft.
McGuinty said CFB/8Wing Trenton in Quinte West “will be the home of the main operating base east and we’ll see a husky station here
with a crew ready to be mobilized at a moment’s notice to meet a fighter jet in the air and refuel, this is a new capability for our air force,
and it’s why RCAF leadership selected the husky aircraft.”
“It will support your missions, enabling our fighter jets to stay in the air longer, extending the range of the aircraft.
This investment is also central to Canada’s NORAD modernization plan,” McGuinty said.
“It will enable air-to-air refueling for no admissions to enhance rapid response and strengthen Canada’s sovereignty and our contribution
to continental defence. It will also boost our ability to conduct strategic airlift, aeromedical evacuations and government transport.
For the main operating base East to be operational, we will need to build new infrastructure right here in Trenton, and that’s why we’re
here today to operationalize a promise to deliver on something we said we would do today’s groundbreaking is the start,” McGuinty told
dignitaries gathered Monday in Hangar 7 at the base.
He said the capital works will lead to the “creation of up to 1,000 jobs in the Trenton and Belleville area.”
The first phase of construction, expected to continue into 2026, includes resurfacing the existing runway, aprons and taxiways.
Preparations are also underway for the construction of a new two-bay hangar, training facility, fuel depot, and ramp extension.
All required construction for the project, including fuelling and defuelling infrastructure, training facilities, and cargo and passenger
processing infrastructure is anticipated to be completed by 2033.
Col. Andy Bowser, Commander 8 Wing/CFB Trenton, said: “Today marks an exciting milestone in the modernization of our air mobility
capabilities. The infrastructure upgrades and new construction taking place here at Canadian Forces Base Trenton will ensure our personnel
have the facilities and resources they need to operate the CC-330 Husky safely and effectively for decades to come. We are proud to be at
the forefront of this transformation. I want to express our sincere thanks to the Quinte West community for their continued support and
understanding as we carry out this important work.”
Chris Malette, Bay of Quinte MP, welcomed McGuinty to his riding, noting: “I have a deep appreciation for our service members and the
work they do defending Canada in our way of life that includes the thousands of CAF members who call this base home. This base has
served as a critical hub for the Royal Canadian Air Force since before the Second World War.”
“Most members of the Canadian armed forces deploying on operations come through CFB Trenton. Royal Canadian Air Force members
stationed here do critical work like transporting personnel, food and aid to communities at home as far north as Alert and to those of our
partners and allies abroad. But, CFB Trenton is more than a military base. It’s an integral part of this community.”
“The base partners with local charities and food banks, is involved with community cleanups youth initiatives like cadets, summer camps,
many other activities. This base is a prime example of the Canadian armed force’s dedication to the communities it serves and it will
continue to be a source of pride into the future,” Malette said.
FAST FACTS
* On March 8, 2024, the Honourable Bill Blair, former Minister of National Defence, announced $850 million in upgrades to CFB Trenton,
home of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) air mobility operations in Canada. These upgrades will enable CFB Trenton to serve as the
Eastern Main Operating Base for the new CC-330 Husky fleet.
* The STTC platform will replace the existing CC-150 Polaris fleet capability, including Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR), strategic airlift,
aeromedical evacuations, and strategic Government of Canada transport. The STTC platform will provide AAR for both domestic and
expeditionary operations, while complementing the strategic airlift capabilities of the RCAF Air Mobility fleet.
* The STTC project is acquiring nine CC-330 Husky (four new and five used aircraft) to replace the CC-150 Polaris. The contract with
Airbus is valued at approximately $3.6 billion (excluding taxes). The acquisition consists of the nine aircraft, their associated equipment,
training capability, integrated logistic support and sustainment.
* The investment is part of Canada’s $38.6 billion North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) modernization plan, which was
announced by the Government of Canada in June 2022 and represents the most significant upgrade to Canada’s NORAD capabilities in
almost four decades.
