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, through the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), is imposing new restrictions on several planned Air Force aircraft retirements.
The legislation adjusts minimum inventory levels and delays divestitures for key fleets, including the A-10 Warthog (blocking retirements below 103 aircraft) and prohibiting F-15E Strike Eagle retirements through FY2026.
New requirements prevent the Air Force from reducing personnel or sustainment funding in anticipation of future retirements and mandate specific storage conditions for retired KC-10 Extenders.
The NDAA also extends prohibitions on reducing fleets like the E-3 Sentry (below 16 aircraft in FY2026), RQ-4 Global Hawk, C-130 Hercules, and B-1B Lancer, while adding new reporting requirements.

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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.