A-10, Other Legacy Aircraft Provided New Lifeline

Latest defense bill provisions would extend inventory requirements and restrict divestments across multiple fleets.

Ryan Ewing

Tuesday, December 09, 2025 at 12:10 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

A-10 aircraft in storage at Davis–Monthan Air Force Base [Credit: Ryan Ewing]

Key Takeaways:

Congress is using the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to impose significant new restrictions on the Air Force's planned retirement of several aircraft fleets.
These measures include adjusting minimum inventory levels, delaying approved divestitures, and adding new reporting requirements across a range of legacy aircraft.
Specific fleets targeted by these restrictions include the A-10 Warthog, F-15E Strike Eagle, E-3 Sentry AWACS, RQ-4 Global Hawk, C-130 Hercules, and B-1B Lancer, with the KC-10 Extender also subject to preservation mandates.

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Congress is moving to impose new restrictions on several planned Air Force aircraft retirements as part of the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

The legislation, which includes House- and Senate-negotiated text, would adjust minimum inventory levels, delay approved divestitures, and add new reporting requirements across a range of legacy fleets. The NDAA is a yearly defense policy measure that must pass both chambers before being signed into law. The current draft reflects the version heading toward final consideration.