El Alamein 2026: USAF confirms operational deployment of A-10C refuelling modification

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, 2 April 2026. (Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center)

The United States Air Force (USAF) has confirmed to Janes that the in-flight refuelling (IFR) probe modification for the A-10C Thunderbolt II (also known as the Warthog) has been used operationally in the Middle East.

The A-10 had previously only been capable of boom-based IFR, similar to almost all IFR-capable USAF fixed-wing aircraft. Only a handful of types, mostly rotary-wing and tilt-rotor aircraft were fitted for the probe-and-drogue system.

A USAF A-10 pilot speaking to Janes at the El Alamein 2026 Airshow, held in Egypt from 8-11 September, confirmed that the type has been used during missions, but did not specify which platforms or operators the A-10s received fuel from using the probe modification. The first successful test of the probe and drogue capability was on 2 April 2026, according to the US Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center (AATC).

Although it had travelled direct from operations in the Middle East, the A-10C on display at El Alamein was not fitted with the modification.

Additionally, unlike the USAF F-16C and F-15E Strike Eagle that were displayed at the show, the A-10 did not have mission markings. While confirming it had come from operations, a USAF ground crew member told Janes that this was because this Warthog had not conducted combat missions since it had arrived in theatre.

For more, please see: A-10 receives probe-and-drogue capability for aerial refuelling

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