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 aircraft retirements.
The legislation sets new minimum inventory levels, delays divestitures, and adds reporting requirements for several legacy fleets, including the A-10 Warthog, F-15E Strike Eagle, and E-3 Sentry AWACS.
Specific provisions include prohibiting F-15E retirements through FY26, maintaining E-3 levels, and mandating storage conditions for retired KC-10 Extenders.
The NDAA also extends existing prohibitions on reducing fleets like the RQ-4 Global Hawk, C-130 Hercules, and B-1B Lancer through September 2030.

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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.