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:

The FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) introduces new congressional restrictions on the Air Force's planned aircraft retirements.
These restrictions include setting minimum inventory levels, delaying approved divestitures for various fleets, and adding new reporting requirements.
Specific aircraft affected by these limitations include the A-10 Warthog, F-15E Strike Eagle, E-3 Sentry (AWACS), and extensions of prohibitions for the RQ-4 Global Hawk, C-130 Hercules, and B-1B Lancer.
The legislation also mandates specific storage conditions for retired KC-10 Extenders and prevents reductions in personnel or sustainment funding that presume future divestment authority.

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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.