What You Need to Know: The A-10 Thunderbolt II, or Warthog, is approaching retirement as the U.S. Air Force shifts focus toward modernizing its fighter fleet for the Indo-Pacific. By the end of FY2025, the 25th Fighter Squadron's A-10s at South Korea's Osan Air Base will be phased out.
-Advanced aircraft like upgraded F-16 Fighting Falcons, F-35 Lightning IIs, and F-15EX Eagle IIs will replace them to enhance combat effectiveness against modern threats.
-The Air Force emphasizes the need for stealth, advanced avionics, and multi-role capabilities to counter adversaries in the region. The Warthog's departure marks the end of an era for the beloved close air support aircraft.
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 last 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........