The U.S. Air Force has announced plans to retire its fleet of A-10 Thunderbolt II “Warthogs,” including those stationed with U.S. Forces Korea, as part of its modernization strategy. On November 12, 2024, the Air Force stated it would phase out the A-10 to focus on upgrading fourth-generation fighters and enhancing integration with fourth and fifth-generation aircraft in key regions, including the Korean Peninsula.
U.S. Seventh Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. David Iverson commented, “By introducing advanced fourth and fifth-generation aircraft like our upgraded (F-16 Fighting Falcons), along with (F-35 Lightning IIs) and (F-15EX Eagle IIs) in the Pacific region, we are significantly enhancing our overall air combat capabilities in the Korean theater.”
The 24 A-10s currently based at Osan Air Base will begin a gradual retirement process in January next year. The Air Force plans to mitigate the A-10s’ absence by upgrading the avionics systems of F-16s already deployed in Korea.
The A-10’s retirement has been anticipated for some time. Produced and deployed in the 1970s, the aging aircraft has faced criticism for its limited role, primarily focused on close air support (CAS) missions. However, its effectiveness against North Korea’s substantial ground forces has remained relevant on the Korean Peninsula until now.
Nicknamed the “Tank Killer,” the A-10 can operate at altitudes below 328 feet, maneuvering with agility to engage all ground targets, including tanks and armored vehicles. This capability has made it a crucial asset in deterring North Korean aggression.
The A-10, along with the Apache attack helicopter, is considered one of the most formidable threats to North Korean forces. Its ability to conduct low-altitude strafing runs while unleashing its 30mm cannon has earned it the moniker “Warthog.”
Critics argue that during the initial stages of a conflict, when most Air Force assets are tasked with pre-planned strikes according to air tasking orders (ATOs), the A-10’s role becomes limited. While capable of carrying various munitions, its lack of advanced precision-guided weapons systems restricts its accuracy in modern combat scenarios.
The A-10, which entered production in 1972 and became operational in 1977, is equipped with a 30mm rotary cannon capable of firing depleted uranium armor-piercing rounds, which can penetrate tank armor. It can also carry up to 16,000 pounds (7250 kilograms) of mixed ordnance, including AGM-65 Maverick missiles and various bombs.
The A-10 measures 53 feet 4 inches (16.26 meters) long, has a 57 feet 6 inches (17.53 meters) wingspan, and stands 14 feet 8 inches (4.47 meters) tall. Its primary weapon, the GAU-8/A Avenger 30mm cannon, is mounted in the nose. The aircraft features 11 hardpoints for weapons, allowing it to carry a diverse payload. Critical areas, including the cockpit, are protected by titanium armor. With a top speed of 439 mph (700km/h), the A-10 excels in low-altitude, low-speed combat maneuvers.
Over the past two decades, the A-10 has proven its worth in Iraq and Afghanistan, providing crucial close air support for advancing ground troops. Its CAS capabilities are often considered superior to those of the F-16. The U.S. military has maintained a squadron of 24 A-10s at Osan Air Base specifically to counter North Korean armored threats.
During the 1991 Gulf War, A-10s flew 8,755 combat sorties, destroying more than 900 tanks, 2,000 military vehicles, and 1,200 artillery pieces. This combat record solidified the A-10’s reputation as a formidable ground attack aircraft.
However, Air Force leadership has long expressed concerns about the A-10’s survivability against modern air defense systems, particularly those employed by near-peer adversaries like China.
Phased retirement of 24 A-10s to begin next year
Despite retirement plans, some argue for extending the A-10’s service life, citing its unmatched effectiveness against enemy armor. Recent reports suggested that U.S. Forces Korea had considered keeping the A-10 operational into the 2030s, given the increasing threat from North Korea’s mobile missile launchers and armored units.
Following his 2020 meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at Panmunjom, former President Donald Trump visited Osan Air Base and expressed support for extending the A-10’s operational life. Nevertheless, the 24 A-10s stationed in Korea are now slated for gradual retirement starting next year.
The primary driver behind this decision is the high maintenance costs associated with the aging airframe over 40 years old. Pentagon officials have grown increasingly concerned about the escalating expenses of maintaining fourth-generation fighters and attack aircraft like the A-10. The Air Force plans to retire approximately 300 A-10s, potentially saving $4 billion in operating costs. These funds are earmarked for acquiring fifth-generation aircraft, such as additional F-35A Lightning IIs.
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