US Air Force explores KC-10 transfer to North Africa

The US Air Force has issued a request for information to explore restoring up to four retired KC-10 Extenders for transfer to a foreign partner. Published on October 7, 2026, by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, the notice seeks companies capable of returning the aircraft to flying condition and delivering them to an unnamed North African country. The Air Force is assessing industry capability to regenerate KC-10s for foreign military sale as it transitions beyond the tanker's retirement from US service. Companies have until October 28 to respond to the market research request, which is not a formal contract or confirmation of a finalized transfer.

This initiative is a potential Foreign Military Sales (FMS) initiative under which the aircraft would be transferred as Excess Defense Articles (EDA). The program allows surplus US military equipment to be transferred to foreign partners at a reduced price or as a grant. According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, "Such equipment is generally supplied on an 'as is, where is' basis, with the recipient responsible for transportation and any necessary refurbishment." The Air Force is exploring whether a contractor could handle both the restoration and the subsequent delivery and support, simplifying the process for the recipient.

Scope of work and support required

The request for information seeks industry sources capable of a comprehensive package of services for up to four KC-10 Extender aircraft. The proposed program covers regeneration, a one-time flight clearance, and depot-level return to service. It also includes worldwide ferry delivery to the recipient country, in-country Contractor Logistics Support (CLS), and operational and maintenance training. A sustainment package lasting between three and five years is required. The US Air Force seeks companies with facilities and expertise to handle everything from aircraft regeneration to long-term support after delivery.

Aircraft capabilities and service history

The KC-10 Extender offers dual refueling systems and long-range cargo transport, having served the USAF for over four decades before retirement. Derived from the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 commercial airliner, it entered US Air Force service in 1981. The KC-10 can refuel aircraft using either a boom or a hose-and-drogue system, allowing it to support different types of combat aircraft during the same mission. The final US Air Force KC-10 departed Travis Air Force Base, California, for the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG) in Arizona on September 26, 2024.

Context of Excess Defense Articles and regional interest

Egypt and Morocco are among the possible candidates, given their military aviation requirements and defense relationships with Washington. Neither country has been officially identified as the intended operator. Both operate F-16 fighters, which require a flying boom for aerial refueling. Egypt currently lacks a dedicated aerial refueling fleet, although it is acquiring two C-130J-30 aircraft with tanker capabilities. Morocco operates C-130 tankers equipped with hose-and-drogue systems. The latest contracting notice indicates that Washington is considering the restoration of another four aircraft for military service abroad. The Air Force has not disclosed which stored KC-10s could be selected or how much their recovery would cost.

Broader KC-10 disposition and private sector interest

While most retired KC-10s are at AMARG, some have already entered private hands, including Omega Air’s acquisition of ten for commercial refueling. The first KC-10 arrived at AMARG on July 13, 2020. In May 2026, US-based aerial refueling contractor Omega Air announced it had acquired 10 former US Air Force KC-10s at auction. Omega Air said: "It had acquired 10 former US Air Force KC-10s at auction, with plans to restore them for contracted refueling operations." The company already operates three KDC-10 tankers, two of which were previously flown by the Royal Netherlands Air Force.

US legislation enacted in December 2025 required the Air Force to maintain retired KC-10s in their storage condition as of September 30, 2025, allowing for eventual disposal or transfer. The condition of the remaining KC-10 fleet at AMARG is less clear, though some remain candidates for restoration. The KC-10 was replaced in US service by the Boeing KC-46A Pegasus, although the newer aircraft carries less fuel than its predecessor. Companies have until October 28 to respond to the RFI, after which the Air Force will assess industry capability and cost estimates.