The USAF has always tried cutting the mighty A-10 for a long time. The main reason seems to be that they don’t find the A-10 “sexy” because it’s old-school technology and the USAF loves all the modern bells and whistles with newer planes. It’s a shame as the A-10 has proven itself again and again, and the pilots who fly them love them. Sad.
As a casual observer,it seems to me that what they are trying to do with the A-10 is a lot like what automotive”geniuses” are trying to do with some of the new cars. Take a proven performer & replace it with something that costs more,has more bells & whistles,& is less reliable or effective. It was always my understanding that the A-10 was an excellent,well proven aircraft that was a scarey sight to our enemies.