A-10 receives probe-and-drogue capability for aerial refuelling

An A-10 Thunderbolt II refuels from a C-130 using a probe and drogue system for the first time in the aircraft's history, on 2 April 2026. (SMSgt Charles Givens I Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center)

The Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II received an upgrade that enables it to conduct mid-air refuelling from a Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules aircraft, the US Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center (AATC) announced on 7 April 2026.

The upgrade, designated the Probe Refueling Adapter, was a multi-organisation effort, helmed by the AATC, to rapidly convert the A-10 from its boom refuelling configuration to a probe and drogue system.

AATC commander Colonel Daniel Wittmer said the capability moved “from concept to fielded capability in weeks”. It was spurred by a combatant command's urgent need requirement, but AATC declined to disclose which combatant command.

The new upgrade consists of an adapter that fits into the refuelling receptacle on the nose of the A-10, “offset from centerline of the aircraft and does not interfere with the HUD”, Senior Master Sergeant Charles Givens, public affairs manager at AATC, told Janes on 7 April.

The adapter is a field-configurable installation that can be conducted by operational flight line personnel in a matter of hours, AATC said. The A-10 can be reconfigured between boom and probe refuelling capability based on mission requirements, according to AATC.

SMSgt Givens said the capability was developed over two years to address limited aerial refuelling options for the A-10. Before this development, A-10s were dependent on KC-135 aircraft for refuelling, as the KC-10 tanker is retired and KC-46 certification is pending.