A-10C Thunderbolt II attack aircraft of the U.S. Air Force (USAF) recently conducted a series of exercises aimed at practicing close air support operations for U.S. Navy ships operating in the waters of the Persian Gulf. On this occasion, the “Warthogs” of the 476th Attack Group worked jointly with the littoral combat ship USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32), with both units deployed in support of activities under U.S. Central Command.
Thanks to a series of images released by the U.S. Navy, part of the activity carried out between the U.S. Air Force A-10C aircraft and the Navy vessel can be observed, including a low-level flyby that could be part of a strafing run against maritime targets.
This is not the first time Thunderbolt II attack aircraft have trained alongside U.S. Navy ships, as such training has been observed on other occasions, including with nuclear-powered submarines. The range, maneuverability, and capabilities of the A-10C Thunderbolt II make it an ideal aerial platform to address the growing threat posed by naval drones, which have demonstrated their effectiveness in various conflicts.
Uncrewed naval systems have gained significant relevance due to the results achieved in the Black Sea, for example, a theater in which the Armed Forces of Ukraine have managed to gain the upper hand over the Russian Fleet thanks to the intensive and effective use of naval drones. These systems have racked up countless victories, both naval and aerial, to the point of wresting control of the Black Sea and forcing Russian vessels to seek refuge in distant and protected ports.
To a lesser extent, Houthi forces in Yemen have also employed attack drones in the waters of the Red Sea. In this case, the targets have been merchant ships and oil tankers, which have usually been attacked in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. In addition to the restricted waters found in the Black Sea and the Gulf of Aden, this natural chokepoint has been exploited by the Houthis to carry out attacks using naval and aerial drones, as well as missiles of various types.
Iranian threat
The recent exercise involving the USS Santa Barbara and U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II attack aircraft may be part of the precautions being taken by the U.S. Armed Forces in the face of a potential offensive against Iran. A detail of great importance is that Tehran’s forces have developed and refined a broad family of uncrewed systems, as well as the use of light attack craft, all of which represent potential threats to U.S. ships operating in the Persian Gulf.
Despite the fact that U.S. Navy ships are equipped with their own anti-surface defensive systems, these units could be subjected to saturation attacks, making the availability of supporting assets necessary. At this stage, the A-10C Thunderbolt II could become a vital player thanks to its performance and capabilities.
In terms of offensive capability, the Warthog not only offers its legendary 30 mm GAU-8 Avenger cannon, but can also operate a wide variety of guided weapons. These range from AIM-9M Sidewinder air-to-air missiles to AGM-65 Maverick air-to-surface missiles.
However, the A-10C Thunderbolt II’s primary tool against drones will be the AGR-20 APKWS II laser-guided rockets, which represent a significant improvement thanks to their low cost and the ability to carry up to seven rounds on each LAU-131 launcher.
Amid rising tensions in the Middle East and the continued reinforcement of U.S. military assets in the region, the possibility that A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft could enter combat as drone hunters increases with each passing day, a role that could be applied not only against aerial systems, but also naval ones.
Cover image: U.S. Navy – Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Iain Page.
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