By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Contributor
The A-10 Thunderbolt II, fondly referred to as the Warthog, represents a contrast in the discourse of modern military aviation. It is either lauded for its unparalleled ground support capabilities or dismissed as a relic in modern aerial combat. The discussion remains divided with no clear consensus, particularly as the projected retirement of the A-10 approaches by 2030.
The A-10 Warthog II is a remarkable combat aircraft. It made its debut in the hostile skies in May 1972. A total of 713 units were manufactured by Fairchild Republic, which has since merged with Northrop-Grumman, and the production of the A-10 ceased in 1984. In 2013, Boeing was awarded contracts by the Air Force to upgrade the aircraft. For instance, new wings were installed, significantly extending the service life of these veteran birds.
The A-10 was engineered for “close-in air support” operations. Therefore, it’s not solely an Air Force aircraft. Tactical Air Control Party airmen operate on the ground to synchronize A-10 airstrikes directly with American ground forces requiring air support. This forms a mutual relationship between the ground troops engaged in combat and the Air Force piloting the A-10.
They are heavily armored ground attackers who ensure these aircraft can withstand such dangerous missions. The cockpit, for instance, is encased in a titanium shell up to 3.8 cm thick, providing enhanced protection for the pilot against enemy ground fire. Similar safeguards are provided to the aircraft’s flight systems to prevent an enemy from landing a lucky shot, considering the A-10’s low altitude and vulnerability to enemy ground fire.
The A-10 is renowned for its resilience as a combat aircraft. As Special Forces operators have relayed to me, these aircraft can unleash an incredible amount of firepower while hovering over a battlefield for extended periods – significantly longer than any other aircraft. The firepower, the armor, and the duration of combat are crucial factors warranting the continued operation of this aircraft.
No other combat aircraft can operate as close to the enemy as long as the A-10 can. Most other aircraft, such as the F-35, must exit the battlespace to refuel. Despite all the discussions about the F-35’s long-range capabilities, when U.S. ground troops are in danger, there’s nothing quite like having a combat aircraft that can confront the enemy up close and deliver a powerful blow.
A-10s are indeed formidable warthogs. They are equipped with their signature 30 mm GAU-8/A cannon and a diverse ordnance package. The aircraft is a bomb carrier of monumental proportions. It has three under-fuselage pylon stations and eight under-wing stations which carry weapons of various sizes ranging from 500-pound to 2,000-pound Mk-84. They can also be equipped with the AGM-65 Maverick and the AIM-9 Sidewinder missile.
Consequently, the A-10 prioritizes endurance over speed. It can barely reach Mach 0.75. The F-35 is significantly faster. However, the A-10 boasts an impressive range of 2,580 miles. Moreover, the A-10 can operate in degraded environments. These aircraft can take off and land at forward operating bases from short runways. Considering the types of wars the U.S. military has been involved in, such as in Afghanistan, it’s surprising that the Pentagon even considered retiring this aircraft. And if a major conflict between the United States and a near-peer adversary like China or Russia, the A-10 will play a crucial role in breaching enemy air defense zones.
While the F-35 is a technological wonder and can perform similar missions to the A-10, the fifth-generation aircraft lacks the endurance and robustness that the A-10 has repeatedly demonstrated.
Critics often contend that the A-10’s advantages are more circumstantial rather than fundamental. Its performance in environments with minimal anti-air threats, such as previous counter-insurgency operations, has been exceptional. However, scenarios with advanced anti-air defenses pose significant challenges. For example, during the Gulf War, the A-10 encountered limitations under intense anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) and MANPADS fire. Although it is equipped with defensive systems to enhance pilot survivability, any damage can sideline the aircraft for extensive repairs, reducing its operational availability.
Compared to multi-role aircraft operating at higher altitudes and deploying precision-guided munitions within electronic warfare (EW) supported strike packages, the A-10’s low-altitude, high-risk role is questioned. A key consideration is the strategic value of a platform that can withstand damage versus one that avoids it altogether.
The potential conversion of the A-10 into an electronic warfare platform using Miniature Air-Launched Decoys (MALD) to confuse enemy air defenses presents another innovative use of its capabilities. This role would align with the broader strategic needs of the Air Force, offering a force multiplier effect in contested airspaces.
While the A-10 Thunderbolt II has been a formidable asset, the evolving nature of global threats and warfare technologies necessitates critically evaluating its role in future conflicts. Whether it remains a viable part of the U.S. Air Force’s arsenal depends on our ability to adapt its strengths to new combat realities. The ongoing debate over its retention highlights the broader challenges of modern military strategy—balancing proven platforms with emerging technologies to maintain operational superiority.
