The federal government has announced the start of construction on major works at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Trenton.

Defence Minister David McGuinty was on hand at the ceremony to kick off construction of an $850-million infrastructure project that will support the Canadian Armed Forces’ Strategic Tanker Transport Capability (STTC) project.

The project calls for significant upgrades and additional infrastructure for the main operating base – east at CFB Trenton.

The work will support the arrival and long-term operation of up to seven CC-330 Husky aircraft at CFB Trenton. A second base under development in Edmonton will be able to support up to three and the creation of up to 1,000 jobs in the Trenton and Belleville area.

This 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 construction for the project, including fuelling and defuelling infrastructure, training facilities, and cargo and passenger processing infrastructure is anticipated to be completed by 2033.

“Today marks an exciting milestone in the modernization of our air mobility capabilities,” said Colonel Andy Bowser, Commander 8 Wing/CFB Trenton. “The infrastructure upgrades and new construction taking place here will ensure our personnel have the facilities and resources they need to operate the CC-330 Husky safely and effectively for decades to come.”

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 at CFB Trenton is part of Canada’s $38.6 billion North American Aerospace Defense Command modernization plan, which was announced by the Government of Canada in June 2022.