With more than five decades in service, the A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft remains a cornerstone of the United States Air Force’s (USAF) close air support capability, even as the Pentagon sought to retire it in fiscal year 2026. The veteran and iconic aircraft in its category has withstood multiple decommissioning attempts, and amid a renewed focus on counter-drone operations and USAF modernization, the U.S. Congress has once again decided to postpone its retirement, keeping the fleet active while demanding a viable replacement plan.
The Air Force’s original intent was to retire the remaining 162 A-10s in 2026, accelerating a drawdown process that had previously extended their service life until the end of the decade. This decision was part of a broader plan to retire 340 aircraft in total, aimed at realigning priorities and avoiding rising costs, alongside the cancellation of programs such as the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft. However, the scale of the proposed drawdown raised concerns among lawmakers, who questioned whether the USAF had alternatives capable of fulfilling the specialized roles of this platform.
Lawmakers’ opposition reflects persistent skepticism about the viability of the proposed replacements for the A-10, as future next-generation combat systems and autonomous platforms continue to face production delays and heightened budgetary scrutiny. For many members of Congress, reducing the fleet without fully functional alternatives in place would jeopardize the close air support mission, a critical capability in low- and mid-intensity conflict scenarios.
Beyond the legislative debate, A-10s continue to demonstrate their operational relevance. During 2025, several of these aircraft were deployed to the Middle East under U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), actively participating in drone interception and neutralization missions, including systems of the Shahed type. Images from these deployments showed kill markings on the fuselages, as well as the employment of weapons such as AGR-20F FALCON rockets and GBU-54 JDAM guided bombs, alongside the primary 30 mm GAU-8 rotary cannon, underscoring their utility in roles requiring persistence and payload capacity.
The A-10’s effectiveness in these missions is explained by its unique design: although slower and less maneuverable than more modern jet attack aircraft, its endurance and payload capacity offer comparative advantages, including lower operating costs. While not envisioned at the time of its design, its ability to counter drone swarms—combined with its core mission of providing close support to ground troops—makes it a valuable tool even in the face of more advanced combat technologies.
Against this backdrop, the Air Force is compelled to rethink its transition strategies, as Congress demands detailed reports on retirement and replacement plans between 2027 and 2029. The decision to extend the A-10’s operational life not only highlights the tension between modernization and current capability, but also underscores the need for a pragmatic approach that preserves critical USAF capabilities while moving toward the future.
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