US Weighs Restoring Four Retired KC-10s for North African Partner, with Morocco a Possible Recipient

Four large U.S. military aircraft, retired in 2024, could soon take to the skies again on their way to North Africa. The Pentagon is looking for companies capable of restoring these KC-10 Extenders, which were used for more than forty years to refuel fighter jets in flight. The recipient remains confidential, but Morocco is one of the two countries under consideration, along with Egypt.

On Bladi.net : Morocco’s First F-16 Block 72 Takes Flight After Seven-Year Wait

The information comes from an official notice published on October 7 by the U.S. Air Force, under reference FA8625-27-R-B001. The document provides for the restoration of up to four aircraft, their delivery to the beneficiary country and training for the crews who will operate them.

Interested companies must also be able to provide maintenance and logistical support for three to five years. They have until October 28 to submit their technical capabilities and a cost estimate.

The U.S. magazine Aviation Week, which broke the story on October 8, identifies Morocco and Egypt as the two possible recipients of the transfer. Neither country has been officially named.

A capability Morocco’s F-16s lack

For the Royal Air Forces, these aircraft could fill a significant gap. The KC-10 has a rigid boom that can refuel F-16s without requiring them to land. It can also use a hose-and-drogue system designed for other types of aircraft.

This capability would be particularly useful for Moroccan fighter jets. In late September, four Moroccan F-16s had to carry nearly seven tonnes of fuel each to reach France without a national tanker. During other exercises, they rely on French or U.S. aircraft for in-flight refueling.

One major obstacle remains: the KC-10s are aging aircraft. The last U.S. Air Force example was retired in September 2024, and restoring them would require extensive work, on top of operating and maintenance costs.