U.S. Considers Transfer of Surplus KC-10 Tankers to North African Nation
The U.S. is exploring the possibility of transferring surplus KC-10 Extender aircraft to an undisclosed nation in North Africa, with Morocco or Egypt being the likely candidates. A contract notice published to gauge industry interest for the reactivation and maintenance of these aircraft was first reported by Aviation Week.
The KC-10s, categorized as Excess Defense Articles (EDAs), were retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2024, and most of the fleet is now stored at the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG) at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona.
Omega, a private aerial refueling contractor, has already acquired around ten of these surplus tankers, which provide greater fuel offload capabilities than both the KC-135 Stratotanker and the KC-46 Pegasus. The potential transfer to a North African partner suggests that more of these aircraft could see operations in the region.
The official request for information (RFI) aims to identify industry sources capable of handling the regeneration, flight clearance, and operational training for up to four of the KC-10 aircraft. Following this RFI, a request for proposals (RFP) will be issued to allow interested parties to compete for the contract.
Although the specific North African country has not been disclosed, Egypt and Morocco are the primary candidates. Both maintain strong relations with the U.S., operate American military equipment, and fly F-16 Fighting Falcons, which require the refueling capabilities offered by the KC-10.
Morocco recently became the launch customer for the new Block 72 F-16s, which will upgrade their existing fleet. Egypt operates a more extensive fleet of F-16 variants and also utilizes French-built fighters that would benefit from the KC-10’s dual refueling capabilities.
Following recent military engagements with the Chinese Air Force, the U.S. may see this transfer as a strategic move to bolster ties with Egypt, especially to counterbalance China’s influence in the region.
There has been no official confirmation regarding which nation will ultimately receive the KC-10s. Speculation suggests that negotiations on potential U.S. basing rights for these aircraft might also influence the transfer’s finalization, with bases in either country enhancing U.S. operational capacity in the Middle East and Africa.
If the transfer proceeds, Morocco or Egypt would become the first African nations to operate U.S.-built jet-powered aerial refueling aircraft.
