Despite the impending retirement of the A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft, these renowned attack planes, also known as Warthogs, continue to demonstrate their effectiveness. One of their most recent operations occurred in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
According to the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), U.S. Air Force aircraft carried out a series of strikes against Islamic State (ISIS) positions on December 8. The large-scale offensive involved A-10C Thunderbolt II planes, alongside B-52H Stratofortress bombers and F-15E Strike Eagle fighter-bombers.
These aircraft targeted ISIS leaders, operatives, and camps as part of an ongoing mission to disrupt, degrade, and defeat the group. CENTCOM stated, “The operation struck over 75 targets using multiple U.S. Air Force assets, including B-52s, F-15s, and A-10s.”
Regarding the strikes, CENTCOM Commander General Michael Erik Kurilla emphasized, “There should be no doubt: we will not allow ISIS to reconstitute or exploit the current situation in Syria. Any organization in Syria found to be supporting ISIS in any way will be held accountable.”
Recently, videos circulated on social media allegedly showing an A-10C Thunderbolt II operating over the city of Deir ez-Zor. The footage depicted the aircraft flying at low altitude, deploying infrared countermeasures at the end of its run to counter potential MANPADS threats.
CENTCOM also announced earlier in December that U.S. forces successfully destroyed several weapons systems near the Euphrates Military Support Site, including multiple rocket launchers mounted on trucks, a T-64 tank, an armored personnel carrier, and mortars. These operations were part of a broader campaign running parallel to the offensive by Syrian rebel forces that ultimately toppled al-Assad’s regime.
The end of the A-10C Thunderbolt II fleet began with the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, which authorized the U.S. Air Force to retire the first 21 Warthogs.
The decision to phase out the A-10 Thunderbolt II followed years of debate between Congress and the Air Force. Opponents cited the aircraft’s invaluable service in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria, where its precision, firepower, endurance, and close air support capabilities proved unmatched. Warthogs were hailed as guardian angels by infantry and special operations units.
However, the Air Force has long sought to retire the A-10, citing the need to allocate resources toward maintaining the growing fleet of fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II fighters. One of the last units to begin retiring its Warthogs was the 335th Wing, which had operated the Thunderbolt variants since the 1970s. By 2025, the Air Force plans to retire another 56 A-10C aircraft.
With their continued presence in the Middle East, at least until the next administration takes office, A-10C Thunderbolt II planes will likely see a few more combat missions before their anticipated retirement.
Cover image: USAF – Tech. Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III
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Why are we trying to retire something that works?
Because it supports the Army. If they had a REAL replacement, that would a totally different thing. But Gen 5 aircraft can NOT fly as slow, or throw depleted uranium slugs at tanks and improvised weapons platforms.
They’ve been retiring this aircraft for at a minimum 20+ years.. This article has been written at least a dozen times in the last 10 years.
Exactly Ronald , no one except the guy on the ground would want a plane than can stay overhead several times longer and can carry twice as many weapons as an f35…. plus it’s got that 30mm….and it’s operating costs and purchase price are probably a 20th of a 5th gen…..I’d rather face a manpad in an a10 than an apache any day.ĺ
Why not ? After all, they have that POS osprey that’s killed a lot of people. It was junk, and it’s not going to be getting any better. The A-10s are a fantastic aircraft. But you know how the military is..if it works, spend billions on shit that doesn’t! I guess it has something to do with kickbacks. Somebody’s relations are getting fat off certain contracts. I’ve been in the military. I’ve seen what is going on with the contracts and had to destroy “stuff” , so that the military honored their part of the contracts, like M-16s, and det cord. It’s become a criminal enterprise!