What the retirement of the KC-10 Extender means for the US Air Force
A KC-10 Extender being refuelled by another KC-10 over the Atlantic Ocean. (Photo: USAF)
The tanker will be replaced by the KC-46A Pegasus, which is a more capable platform in terms of avionics, but with less payload capacity.
The US Air Force (USAF) has fully divested its remaining fleet of KC-10 Extender after operating the multirole cargo tanker for nearly 45 years. The aircraft will be replaced by the KC-46A Pegasus which is a smaller, lighter platform, with less payload capacity but featuring newer technologies and more modern avionics.
The KC-46A was engineered with a more survivable design for deployment in contested scenarios and has been equipped with several self-protection, defensive and communication features including a radar warning receiver, Large Aircraft IR Countermeasures (LAIRCM), tactical situational awareness and NBC hardening.
Having first entered service with the USAF in 2019, the
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Airbus Helicopters sees defence portfolio’s “strong momentum” continue into 2026]()
Airbus Helicopters sees defence portfolio’s “strong momentum” continue into 2026
The aerospace company’s 2025 performance figures revealed significant orders from various European armed forces and a boost in demand for its uncrewed offerings.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Early adopters and big spenders point to UAV market opportunities]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Early adopters and big spenders point to UAV market opportunities
While an estimated $37.99bn is still to be awarded across the Asia-Pacific uncrewed aerial vehicle market, the balance of potential future spending is unevenly split between various countries, with significant opportunities to be found in the collaborative combat aircraft space.
-
![British Army ACP project progresses with contract selection expected March 2026]()
British Army ACP project progresses with contract selection expected March 2026
Known as Project Nyx, the loyal wingman developed from this initiative will accompany the Apache 64-E and be used to complement tanks and artillery.
-
![Bayraktar TB2: The $4.11 billion market success of a cost-effective MALE UAV]()
Bayraktar TB2: The $4.11 billion market success of a cost-effective MALE UAV
The success of the Bayraktar TB2 stems from it fulfilling a niche of providing reasonable capabilities at a low cost, leading to its acquisition by more than 30 countries including many in Africa; but there are reasons to be cautious about its potential future prospects.
