US Air Force considers transferring retired KC-10 tankers to North Africa

The United States Air Force is considering the transfer of up to four retired McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender aerial refueling aircraft to an unidentified country in North Africa. According to a contracting notice from the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, the initiative is being explored under the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program.

The proposal seeks companies capable of restoring the aircraft to flight-ready condition, managing delivery, and providing maintenance and training support for a period of three to five years. The notice includes requirements for depot-level maintenance, flight clearance, and logistical support within the recipient nation.

While the specific recipient has not been named, the aircraft's capabilities are noted for supporting various combat aircraft via both boom and hose-and-drogue systems. The document currently serves as a market research request rather than a formal contract or confirmed approval. The US Air Force retired its final KC-10 on September 26, 2024.