US Air Force maintains operational status of aging A-10 Warthogs amid retirement plans

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US Air Force maintains operational status of aging A-10 Warthogs amid retirement plans

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Fairchild-Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II | Wikipedia

By Sky Industry News

Jul 3, 2025

The A-10 Warthog, officially known as the Fairchild-Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II, remains a significant component of the United States Air Force's fleet. Known for its unique design and specialized role in close air support, the A-10 has been in service since 1976. Despite its age, it continues to be a vital asset for ground support missions.

The Air Force began retiring its fleet of A-10s in 2023. By 2024, there were 218 active A-10 Warthogs with additional units stored in non-flyable conditions. The phase-out process has faced opposition from Congress due to concerns about suitable replacements. An Act of Congress passed in 2024 mandates that at least 96 A-10s remain operational for several years, with plans to retire the aircraft by 2029.

Efforts have been made to extend the lifespan of the A-10 through investments in modernizing cockpits, software upgrades, and new tracking pods. The aircraft also received new wings to address fatigue issues.

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"The reason why the retirement of the A-10 Warthog has been delayed so much is that it plays a unique role in the Air Force's fleet," according to reports. The A-10 is distinct from other fighters like the F-35 due to its ability to perform close air support missions effectively.

The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is considered a potential replacement for the A-10 but faces criticism because it is not specifically designed for close air support. The F-35A variant offers speed and stealth capabilities but lacks some features critical for ground attack roles.

"The problem is that these qualities aren't necessarily what makes the strongest close air support aircraft," notes critics comparing it with the durability and firepower of the A-10.

Rumors surfaced about interest from other nations in purchasing used A-10s; however, Ukraine confirmed no interest due to survivability concerns against more advanced adversaries.

Despite discussions on obsolescence, "the USAF has been increasing A-10 deployments in the Middle East" as part of military buildups related to ongoing conflicts. The Warthog continues playing a crucial role against ISIS forces and remains effective in environments where its capabilities are best utilized.