Oh, it's not an easy job: dragging a Thunderbolt out of a swamp.
It seemed like just a month ago we all came to the unanimous conclusion that it was time to shed a few manly tears and send the A-10 off to its well-deserved rest. This flying cataclysm is getting old, not so much physically as mentally. And even though there's nothing to replace it with, it's time to say goodbye.
But no, the U.S. Air Force will look for new ways to carry out missions with the A-10C strike aircraft under an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Bill prepared by the House Armed Services Committee.
Here, it's important to understand what the House of Representatives is. It's the lower chamber of the US Congress. Each state is represented proportionally by population, with a total of 435 representatives. The House's primary function is to pass federal laws, meaning laws that apply to all states. Bills (precursor documents to legislation) passed in the House also undergo debate in the Senate and presidential approval before becoming law.
And the House of Representatives can very well decide what will happen and how it will happen. Well, much like our Duma, and with the same potential effectiveness.
Although the Air Force has long advocated for the Warthog's retirement, recent demand for the aircraft during conflicts in the Middle East has delayed its retirement until 2030.
Several of the numerous amendments to the bill are proposed by Abe Hamadeh, a Republican representative from Arizona. He calls on the Secretary of the Air Force to continue funding pilot training, testing, experimentation, maintenance, and support for the A-10 until its scheduled retirement, and to utilize the accumulated experience and knowledge gained during A-10 operations to develop future replacement systems. This includes maintaining a formal training unit to train pilots until retirement.
This is especially noteworthy given that the 357th Fighter Squadron in question graduated its final class of A-10 pilots in April at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. And the question of whether the flight school will close is still on the table…
Four A-10C aircraft from the 357th Fighter Squadron drop flares missiles over the test site near Gila Bend, Arizona, on May 1, 2026
Meanwhile, in February of this year, the Air Force officially ended depot-level maintenance of the A-10 aircraft, disestablishing the 571st Maintenance Squadron at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. The A-10 Weapons School is scheduled to close this year.
An A-10C aircraft sits next to a hangar during the "Hawg Out" ceremony, Feb. 12, 2026, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah.
The aircraft was the last A-10 to be maintained by the 571st Maintenance Squadron at Ogden AFB, which had been providing base-level maintenance since 1998.
When speaking about “maintaining combat experience,” Hamady points directly to the A-10’s recent combat operations in the Middle East, including its role in providing close aviation support for the evacuation of two downed F-15E crews from Iran during Operation Fury, as well as for its work to ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping corridor.
The results, frankly, are so-so. Especially with the strait. It's a real mess, and if the A-10s did anything to ensure safety, the results aren't visible with just any microscope.
The amendment also requires a report on the A-10's "combat performance, its relevance in today's environment, lessons learned for future forces, and modernization options that could improve the program's effectiveness."
Hamadeh lists a number of recent enhancements to the aircraft that "could enhance the effectiveness of the A-10 program." These include electronic warfare capabilities, decoys or false targets, digital communications, sensor integration, and precision-guided missile integration. weapons, survivability enhancement, open systems architecture and human-machine systems applications.
The amendment also mentions recent "improvements to the A-10's aerial refueling system," specifically the rapid implementation of a nose-mounted aerial refueling probe. This is a crucial feature for a ground-attack aircraft; without it, the Warthog is a worthless aircraft.
A U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft refueled by an HC-130J Combat King II aircraft in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, May 9, 2026.
At the same time, as they prepare to retire the Warthog, the amendment's authors propose "developing a plan for competitive experimentation with autonomous and unconventional capabilities consistent with the A-10's missions"—something rather odd, especially in terms of unconventional capabilities for a conventional aircraft.
According to the amended bill, this should "facilitate the autonomous replacement and modernization of the A-10, as well as prioritize the engagement of non-traditional defense companies." The amendment calls for the study of "autonomous, semi-autonomous, artificial intelligence-enabled, and support aircraft" to perform future A-10-type missions.
According to the amendment, the plan must include methods to ensure that operational experiments are conducted "in accordance with the principles of effective command and control by a qualified military pilot." This must cover critical functions such as target acquisition, weapons release, and mission abort decisions.
Well, let's put it this way: having an A-10 pilot control all these autonomous, semi-autonomous, AI-equipped, and support aircraft is a pretty dubious idea. An aircraft without radar can only provide targeting to UAVs and other unconventional devices with questionable effectiveness, and the Warthog's participation in network-centric combat is also highly questionable, since the pilot is supposed to be flying the aircraft, not staring at a computer screen. Then again, an autopilot without radar is a pretty dubious idea.
The idea of an aircraft with a two-man crew clearly arises here, and such a version of the A-10B was developed, including an airborne radar, but it did not go into production.
To facilitate the development of new technologies that could replace or partially replace the A-10, the amendment also provides for the use of a limited number of aircraft to support this research. This makes sense: convert a number of A-10s into test labs and use their experience to see how unconventional methods perform.
Two A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft from the 74th Fighter Squadron prepare for mid-air refueling over Wake Island, Oct. 23, 2022.
The House of Representatives believes that to accelerate the initiative, the study could involve alternative defense or venture-backed companies, commercial technology firms, or other companies that could quickly develop the necessary hardware, software, autonomous control, detection, communications, and targeting systems.
This amendment allows for the possibility that new technologies could eventually become effective replacements for many of the tasks performed by the A-10, rather than a direct analogue to the manned aircraft.
The representatives from the House are excused by the fact that none of them will get into the cockpit of an unconventional/alternative "Warthog" and fly to where they will be met by completely conventional means Defense.
Concerning drones, the lack of a successor to the MQ-9 Reaper, envisioned by the MQ-Next program, is another tangible problem. The Air Force is currently attempting to replace the MQ-9 again, which you can read about here, but it's unclear whether the new drone will be able to perform a significant portion of the A-10's missions.
At the same time, the lack of a program to develop a true combat unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that could serve as a follow-on to the MQ-Next or something similar also hinders the development of a more survivable unmanned successor to the A-10.
While not explicitly stated, other options may include Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA)—unmanned systems with artificial intelligence that can deliver weapons, conduct reconnaissance, conduct electronic warfare, detect and track targets, and operate independently or as part of manned platforms. However, while CCAs may be part of the solution, the A-10's mission is traditionally considered more suited to strike drones.
It's elementary: one A-10, in a good scenario, can carry as much ammunition as a dozen dronesAnd the issue of precise use is also less pressing for the older attack aircraft compared to drones. More than 7 tons of payload on 11 hardpoints is essentially the equivalent of 10 MQ-9 Reapers.
Of course, advances in autonomous systems offer certain prospects for the future creation of networks of disposable or easily destroyed drones that could continuously monitor the battlefield, quickly exchange target information, and deliver precision strikes while reducing risks to pilots. In such a model, the traditional A-10 attack aircraft would be replaced not by a single aircraft, but by a distributed system of sensors, gunners, and autonomous assistants. Naturally, this is especially relevant in combat situations, when low-flying attack aircraft are becoming increasingly vulnerable.
During testing, a US Air Force XQ-58 Valkyrie jettisons an ALTIUS-600 drone from its internal bay.
However, even modern UAVs, like the MQ-9 Reaper, can't boast total survivability. It's impossible to count how many have already landed in the sands of the Middle East against their will. And the losses continue.
Where to go, where to fly?
Following the A-10's retirement, the amendment directs the Secretary of Defense to evaluate the feasibility of transferring these aircraft to "another military department"—presumably within the U.S. military. While the topic is occasionally raised in the enthusiast community, it is unlikely that the Marine Corps or Army will receive Warthogs as humanitarian aid.
As for the Army, it long ago abandoned the use of manned combat aircraft. For its part, the Marine Corps lacks the capacity or funding to transition to a completely different tactical platform, especially given the reduction in its F/A-18 Hornet fleet to accommodate the F-35B/C as a tactical fighter. And the F-35B/C itself is currently experiencing more than its share of problems, as has been discussed repeatedly.
The idea of transferring decommissioned A-10 aircraft to the armed forces of an ally or partner has been raised in the past and was included in the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). In addition to Jordan, which was mentioned in the 2024 NDAA, Colombia and Ukraine have also expressed interest in acquiring the A-10.
True, no one is seriously considering Ukraine, because these guys take everything, even corn chips, if it's free. The problem is that the A-10 program is anything but free. Moreover, given that these aircraft have never been exported, they can only be bought from the United States. And President Trump has clearly stated that American weapons will only reach Ukraine if someone (like Germany) pays for them in full.
In addition, the amendment allows for the re-establishment of the A-10 demonstration team. This will facilitate “educational work, attracting new members, preserving historical heritage, air shows, military ceremonies and commemorative events, including those marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States."
For more than four decades, the A-10C Demonstration Team performed spectacular flights around the world, but at the end of the 2024 season, it ceased operations. The 355th Wing at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base stated at the time that the decision was made as part of the Air Force's Warthog retirement program.
An A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft, part of the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base Air Demonstration Team.
Of course, it should be noted that all these amendments do not necessarily mean the Air Force will abandon the A-10. If the service can prove it can maintain its knowledge base and address all capability gaps, the question of retiring the Warthog will remain open.
As we've repeatedly emphasized, the A-10's combination of capabilities is difficult to replicate in a single aircraft. Designed from the ground up for close air support, it boasts high combat damage tolerance, making it ideal for operations close to friendly forces, providing continuous and rapid fire support.
However, with survivability in dense air defense environments becoming increasingly important in modern conflicts, the F-35A, which is intended to replace the A-10, offers capabilities unavailable to the older aircraft, including stealth, advanced sensor integration, networked targeting, and the ability to strike from greater distances.
And this is a fact that even the most rabid optimists would find difficult to argue with. However, the F-35 won't be able to do what the A-10 can: tactical cooperation and support for troops on the front lines. Here, the "penguin" is truly weak in terms of armor and survivability.
While the idea of replacing the A-10 with the F-35 has generated much controversy, regardless of its merits, it's clear the Air Force needs a larger combat force to give Warthog supporters more ammunition to throw at the enemy.
An F-35A Lightning II fighter flies past an A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.
Meanwhile, the Air Force has abandoned the idea of using the F-35 as a direct successor to the A-10, reflected in the fact that one former Warthog unit at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan has been selected to receive a squadron of F-15EX Eagle IIs. The balance of capabilities offered by the F-15EX means that other units are now considering it as part of their expanded fleet. And there's a lot of logic to this, as the F-15, through a series of upgrades, has become a very capable aircraft, capable of performing a wide variety of missions.
Regarding the current timeline for the A-10's retirement, Craig McKee news ABC15 in Phoenix, Arizona, received a brief outline of the plan from Air Force Command.
In fiscal year 2026, which runs through September 30, 2026, the 357th Fighter Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base will be inactivated, and its formal training program will end. Meanwhile, the A-10 Weapons School at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, will transition to other aircraft types, and the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron will be inactivated.
In fiscal years 2027 and 2028, two active A-10 squadrons are planned to remain at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, and one Air Force Reserve squadron at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. This will bring the total number of A-10s to 63, of which 42 will be operational.
In fiscal year 2029, Moody AFB will have only one squadron left, and the total number of A-10 aircraft will be reduced to 42.
A-10C fighter jets from the 74th Fighter Squadron at Moody Air Force Base fly over southern Georgia in 2014.
Finally, the A-10 fleet is scheduled to be completely retired in fiscal year 2030.
All of this is in line with the Air Force's requirement to end the A-10's service by the end of the decade. This is the culmination of a lengthy process of retiring the aircraft, driven primarily by concerns about its survivability.
At the same time, the Warthog's unique capabilities remain in demand, including in the Middle East. However, it's worth noting that the Middle East is currently the most ideal location for operating aircraft like the A-10.
It previously seemed that legislative efforts to preserve A-10 might fizzle out, especially after the project lost two of its most vocal supporters. Specifically, after the death of Arizona Senator John McCain and then after Republican Representative Martha McSally lost her Senate race in Arizona.
Now that the A-10 has proven itself in Epic Fury and received a brief service life extension, it appears a new battle to preserve the Warthog is underway. However, I repeat, parliamentarians will never fly a Warthog, and so the resistance from the US Air Force, from generals to flight crews, will only grow with each passing year.
The reason is clear: the aircraft is too old to expect the impossible, like a B-52-style service life. Different loads, different designs. It's one thing to fly at high altitude and slowly drop a carpet of bombs on an enemy below, but it's quite another to maneuver between various small arms fire, dodge missiles, and fight your way through a curtain of fire to reach your target.
No chance. Only somewhere in the Third World, and nothing more. Both pilots and Air Force generals, who were also pilots, understand this. As for parliamentarians... They have similar understandings all over the world.
And parliamentarians will stubbornly drag the Warthog out of the swamp, despite the BBC's resistance. We'll see who wins.
Information