As of now, the A-10 jets used the receptacle and boom mode of aerial refueling, which involved a jet tanker plugging into them at high altitudes for refueling. The A-10 fleet was dependent on Boeing KC-135 for the refueling.
However, with the upgrade, the aerial refueling will be possible through US refueling jets like the KC-135s and KC-46s.
Tactical move
Despite the aircraft being in the twilight of its career, the warplane’s maneuvering skills went viral on social media, bringing the focus from more popular F-16 or F-35 to the ‘lesser known’ A-10.
There were also demand for the adapter from a combatant command for refueling adapter, Axios cited the US Air Force, without specifying the details.
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The aircraft is known for its close air support, airborne forward air control, combat search and rescue.
Why refueling matters?
The refueling adapters are a vital device for warplanes, enabling them to remain in air while carrying out operations thousands of kilometres from their base.
During Operation Midnight Hammer in June 2025, the US used B-2 Spirit stealth bombers to strike Iranian nuclear sites. The advanced jet, equipped with mid-air refueling feature, flew undetected for 18 hours in one of the largest operational strike in global air warfare history.
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The refueling device, when fitted into the standard air-refueling receptacle on the A-10 nose, will convert it from boom to probe-and-drogue, making it compatible with C-130-based tankers.
The US Air Force said that the refueling device can be installed or removed within few hours by flight line personnel.
