What You Need to Know: The U.S. Air Force has announced that it will retire the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II, or "Warthog," in favor of advanced fourth- and fifth-generation fighters.

-Known for its close air support capabilities, the A-10 Warthog will be gradually phased out of key regions, such as South Korea, by the end of FY25.

-Replacing it will be upgraded F-16 Fighting Falcons, F-35 Lightning IIs, and F-15EX Eagle IIs, which provide enhanced capabilities against modern air defenses.

-The A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team marked the aircraft’s farewell with a final performance at the Stuart Air Show in Florida.

The age of the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II is coming to an end, and the U.S. Air Force is determining a future without it. The air service announced this week that it will finalize its modernization strategy for the A-10 – affectionately known as the Warthog – during the current fiscal year 2025 (FY25), which began on October 1.

"In key regions, including South Korea, it will transition away from its A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft in favor of advancing fourth-generation fighter jet upgrades and enhancing fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft integration," the Air Force acknowledged.

Though the A-10 Warthog has plenty of supporters, officials have indicated that........

© The National Interest