US Air Force seeks to refurbish retired KC-10 tankers for a North African partner

The United States Air Force’s Life Cycle Management Center posted a contracting notice seeking industry proposals to refurbish up to four retired KC-10 Extender tankers for transfer under the Excess Defense Articles program. The solicitation outlines tasks such as regeneration, one-time flight clearance, depot-level return to service, worldwide ferry delivery, in-country logistics support, and training for the receiving nation, which is described only as a partner in North Africa.

While the notice omits the specific country, experts note that Egypt and Morocco are plausible recipients given their sizable US-origin F-16 fleets and need for compatible aerial refueling capability. The request includes Controlled Unclassified Information, limiting access to vetted contractors. The KC-10, retired in September 2024 after more than four decades of service, could extend its operational life through this program.