The attack aircraft A-10C Thunderbolt II of the United States Air Force has been participating in various operations across the Middle East as part of Operation Epic Fury. Despite the Warthog’s scheduled retirement, the twin-engine aircraft designed and manufactured by Fairchild Republic continues to serve on the front line, in what appears to be a quiet struggle to prove its value and postpone its retirement.
In recent days, videos of A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft conducting combat operations over Iraq have gone viral, highlighting that the veteran twin-engine platform is one of many participants in the air offensive launched by the United States and Israel against Iran two weeks ago. In operations against pro-Iranian irregular forces, the Warthog operates in its element, as these types of missions are among those where the aircraft performs best thanks to its firepower and endurance.
However, the Thunderbolt II’s participation in Epic Fury may also include counter-drone missions. Images released by United States Central Command show the weapons configuration of an A-10C Thunderbolt II from the 476th Fighter Group: two AGM-65 Maverick air-to-surface missiles, two AIM-9M Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles, a LAU-131 rocket launcher armed with AGR-20F APKWS II guided rockets, and an AN/AAQ-28(V)4 LITENING targeting pod. Added to this is the aircraft’s well-known GAU-8/A Avenger 30 mm Gatling cannon.
It is worth recalling that in early February, A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft from the 476th Fighter Group conducted close air support training missions with Littoral Combat Ship vessels of the United States Navy deployed in the Persian Gulf. These exercises likely focused on preparing to counter naval attack drones, suicide fast boats, or other light Iranian surface units. Weapons such as the AGM-65 Maverick and the AGR-20F APKWS II guided rockets are particularly suited for engaging such threats.
The configuration also highlights the AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles mounted on the aircraft’s characteristic dual launcher. Although typically used for self-defense, Sidewinders can also be employed against drones. To counter unmanned aerial vehicles, the A-10C Thunderbolt II can also rely on AGR-20F APKWS II rockets and, as a last resort, the GAU-8/A Avenger cannon, which features an air-to-air firing mode.
Resisting retirement
The A-10 Thunderbolt II remains a point of contention between the United States Air Force and the United States Congress, as lawmakers have intervened on several occasions to prevent the early retirement of the attack aircraft. This resistance gradually softened in recent years in order to provide the Air Force with resources to absorb several modernization programs, including the fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II fighter.
However, one of the latest initiatives by the United States Air Force to retire the entire fleet of A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft in 2026 was blocked by the United States Congress through the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. The provision titled “Prohibition on Retirement of A-10 Aircraft” established that “…none of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for the Department of Defense may be obligated or expended to retire, prepare to retire, or otherwise reduce the number of A-10 aircraft to an inventory level below 103…”.
The United States Air Force had expected to retire its entire fleet of around 162 A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft during 2026, effectively advancing the system’s withdrawal, which had originally been scheduled for the end of the decade. The planned cuts would not only affect the Warthog but would also extend to other aircraft such as the F-15E Strike Eagle. In that case as well, Congress intervened to prevent the reductions from reaching the levels sought by the Air Force.
As previously analyzed, “…the opposition from lawmakers reflects persistent skepticism regarding the viability of the proposed replacements for the A-10 Thunderbolt II, given that future next-generation combat systems and autonomous platforms continue to face production delays and heightened budget scrutiny…”.
The challenge facing the United States Air Force in being compelled to maintain the A-10 Thunderbolt II fleet lies in both personnel and budgetary resources. Funding is especially critical, as the Air Force did not request maintenance and sustainment funds for the aircraft in the FY2026 budget. Additionally, the deactivation of several test and maintenance units will leave the weapons system without the necessary support structure to remain fully operational.
*Cover image: United States Central Command
*Translated by Constanza Matteo
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