As the United States Air Force (USAF) moves forward with its retirement process, A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft deployed in South Korea recently participated in one of their last deployments on the Korean Peninsula. This was evidenced by a series of recently released photographs showcasing the latest edition of the “Buddy Squadron” exercise, in which the Warthogs conducted operational activities alongside KAI FA-50 Golden Eagle fighter jets and KA-1 Woongbi trainers from the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF).
According to recent reports, throughout 2024, the U.S. Air Force retired a total of 39 A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, which have been transferred to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG), commonly known as “The Boneyard,” for storage.
Although an exact figure is not available, since 2023, when restrictions on their retirement were lifted, the USAF has been progressively withdrawing more units. Looking ahead to Fiscal Year 2025, a further reduction of the fleet is planned, aiming to accelerate the replacement process of the attack aircraft. The A-10’s role will be taken over by F-16 and F-35A fighters, while some specialized units, such as the 492nd Special Operations Wing, may receive OA-1K Sky Warden aircraft.
Returning to the recent deployment of A-10s on the Korean Peninsula, it took place within the framework of the “Buddy Squadron 25-4” exercise, held from January 21 to 24. During this event, the Warthogs trained alongside the KA-FA-50 Golden Eagle and KA-1 Woongbi trainers from the South Korean Air Force.
“The flight operations were part of Buddy Squadron 25-4, an exclusive tradition of the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) and the United States Air Force, providing pilots from both forces the opportunity to share and practice flight concepts, tactics, and strengthen relations between both nations,” stated the official publications accompanying the event’s photographs.
These joint exercises between the U.S. and South Korean Air Forces have a long history, with the first edition recorded in 1990. Over the years, they have allowed military aviators to exchange knowledge and enhance cooperation. The current designation, “Buddy Squadron,” was later adopted in 1997.
As for the A-10s that took part in these maneuvers, they belong to the 25th Fighter Squadron, which has maintained a long and distinguished presence on the Korean Peninsula. It was one of the first squadrons deployed outside the continental United States before the attack on Pearl Harbor, which led to the U.S. entry into World War II.
Looking ahead, in November, the USAF announced its intention to retire all 24 A-10s stationed on the Korean Peninsula by Fiscal Year 2025. This decision aligns with the broader withdrawal of aging platforms in the Indo-Pacific region, replacing them with more modern fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft such as the F-16, F-15EX, and F-35—similar to what is currently happening in Japan with the retirement of F-15C jets. It appears that both the Warthogs and Eagles of the USAF are set to meet the same fate in the near future, returning to the U.S. mainland for eventual storage at AMARG.
Photos: Credits to whom it may concern.
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