Quantcast

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

Why fuel price crash won’t make flying cheaper
Kristi Noem says travelers without Real ID will still be able to fly after deadline
Airline Stocks To Keep An Eye On - April 28th
Report: JetBlue, United Mulling Partnership
New First-Class Suites, Futuristic Aircraft and the Top Air Travel News From April 2025
Southwest Airlines Announces Reimagined Fare Products, New Benefits for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers and Tier Member Customers
New Alaska Airlines trading cards take flight this World Pilots’ Day - Alaska Airlines News
United CEO calls Trump's tariffs a 'chess game'
Virtual Training Becomes a Reality
Korean Air Restarts Longest 747 Passenger Flight in the World
Flight tickets from Srinagar remain exorbitantly high despite aviation ministry request
RTX Q1 Earnings & Sales Beat Estimates, Increase Year Over Year
Delta faces federal investigation as it scraps hundreds of flights for fifth straight day
Coalition pledges to remove EV tax break two days after Dutton ruled out scrapping it – as it happened
Adani’s airport unit seeks $750 million loan from global banks
GE Aerospace affirms outlook; CEO met with Trump to discuss tariffs
Flight made emergency landing in Denver after reported animal strike and engine fire
General Dynamics says G800 jet receives FAA, EASA certifications
Archer unveils plans for NYC air-taxi network in partnership with United Airlines
United Airlines doubles down on Chicago roots with new O'Hare billboards
ICAO Proposes ‘Journey Pass’ Biometric ID Boarding
Gatwick airport strikes, Easter 2025: will my flight be cancelled?
Boarding passes and check-in could be scrapped in air travel shake-up
The most in Mexico: American Airlines adds 30th destination as part of a record-breaking schedule
European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
Qatar Airways accelerates Starlink wifi implementation
US Air Force maintains operational status of aging A-10 Warthogs amid retirement plans
Policy
Webp fairchild
Fairchild-Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II | Wikipedia

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.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

"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.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Flying Food Group, Inc. has announced the recipients of its 2025 scholarships, with all five applicants receiving awards this year.

Oct 23, 2025

Dnata, a global provider of air and travel services, has entered into a joint venture with Azerbaijan’s Silk Way Group to launch ground handling and cargo operations at Alat International Airport, located in the Alat Free Economic Zone in Baku.

Oct 22, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced the release of version 7.5 of its mobile app, introducing new features aimed at making travel planning and management easier for customers during the holiday season.

Oct 22, 2025

The Fair Work Commission has ruled that a former employee of dnata Airport Services was unfairly dismissed and awarded $36,468.39 in compensation.

Oct 22, 2025

The 13th Annual Breast Care International Walk for the Cure took place in Kumasi, Ghana, drawing around 30,000 participants, including survivors, healthcare professionals, students, traditional leaders, and advocates.

Oct 22, 2025

The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has announced the closure of Terminal 5 to allow for a significant redevelopment.

Oct 22, 2025