The legendary A-10 Thunderbolt II shall be maintained in service by the U.S. Air Power till a minimum of 2030, below new plans introduced by the Secretary of the Air Power.
This new announcement adjustments plans that had been to see the A-10 platform, colloquially generally known as the Warthog, fully withdrawn by the 2029 monetary yr.
Although the extension presently lasts till solely 2030, it’s going to reportedly see two squadrons of A-10s maintained till this date, with one different squadron prolonged till 2029. The U.S. Air Power has beforehand favored a way more speedy drawdown of A-10 operations, even requesting to retire the whole fleet in its 2026 finances proposals – later overruled by Congress.
In session with @SecWar, we are going to EXTEND the A-10 “Warthog” platform to 2030. This preserves fight energy because the Protection Industrial Base works to extend fight plane manufacturing.
Thanks to @POTUS on your unwavering help of our warfighters and fast, decisive… pic.twitter.com/zn1l3OshdY
— Workplace of the Secretary of the Air Power (@SecAFOfficial) April 20, 2026
Massive change from simply final yr. The Air Power in its FY2026 finances request had sought to retire the final of its A-10 Warthog fleet. Congress blocked the push in its NDAA, barring the service from lowering the stock under 103 plane.
— Briana Reilly (@briana_reilly) April 20, 2026
Earlier plans have indicated that A-10 airframes may theoretically be maintained into the 2040s, although even when an additional extension past 2030 is granted it’s unlikely that two squadrons may maintain an extension of that size with out the reintroduction of help and coaching pipelines which have already been withdrawn. The ultimate class of A-10 pilots graduated earlier this month.
Brian Everstine, Pentagon editor at Aviation Week, stories that the models prolonged till 2030 embody one energetic responsibility squadron at Moody AFB and one reserve unit at Whiteman AFB. A second Moody unit will function till 2029.
The Air Power will lengthen three A-10 squadrons, the service declares at this time.
One Moody energetic responsibility squadron and one Whiteman reserve squadron to 2030, plus one other Moody squadron to 2029, in keeping with the service. pic.twitter.com/pNrdLnWk15
— Brian Everstine (@beverstine) April 20, 2026
The Warthog has lengthy confronted criticism over its vulnerability in trendy high-tier conflicts, the place its low and sluggish efficiency traits would make it susceptible to varied varieties of anti-aircraft weaponry. Nonetheless, in recent times, the plane has developed new capabilities that permit it to function a succesful drone interdictor and precision strike platform.
Throughout Operation Epic Fury, A-10s have been used extensively to focus on Iran-backed militia teams working in Iraq and Syria whereas extra survivable platforms will be reserved for high-threat missions in Iranian airspace itself. It does seem that A-10s have instantly seen motion in opposition to Iran itself on some events, together with as a part of the fight search and rescue effort for a downed F-15E Strike Eagle. One A-10 was misplaced to enemy hearth throughout this mission, although its pilot was in a position to eject safely over pleasant airspace.
USAF A-10 Warthog gun run low over Iraq earlier at this time. pic.twitter.com/SOWSEZV37d
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) March 25, 2026
As we’ve reported beforehand, a modification was lately developed and examined for the A-10 which can permit it to refuel from hose and drogue outfitted refueling plane. This helps to mitigate the actual fact the KC-46 continues to be not cleared to refuel the A-10, in addition to the differing necessities for the A-10’s aerial refueling course of that complicate mixed-receiver sorties by KC-135s.
We, and others, speculated that it was unlikely such a modification would have been developed had the speedy drawdown of A-10s nonetheless been on the playing cards.
That is an rising information story, and this text shall be up to date as and when extra particulars turn out to be obtainable.
