Posted on 04/08/2026 2:09:24 AM PDT by Libloather
The A-10 Warthog has a new maritime role in targeting boats in the war in Iran that could extend the life of the aircraft, which the U.S. Air Force had been attempting to retire for years.
Despite the Air Force trying to phase out the A-10, Congress has resisted its efforts and blocked attempts to reduce the number of these aircraft.
A-10s have been used in the U.S. military campaign against Iran, as the Pentagon sees a need for an aircraft that can loiter and deliver accurate fire against small boats and coastal threats.
During a Pentagon briefing last month, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine said that A-10 aircraft were "in the fight" and operating across the southern flank of the conflict, including targeting Iranian boats in the Strait of Hormuz.
"We continue to hunt and kill mine storage facilities and naval ammunition depots. We continue to hunt and kill afloat assets, including more than 120 vessels and 44 mine layers, and the pressure will continue," Caine said in the March 19 briefing.
"The A-10 Warthog is now in the fight across the southern flank and is hunting and killing fast attack watercraft in the Straits of Hormuz. In addition, AH-64 Apaches have joined the fight on the southern flank, and they continue to work on the southern side. And that includes some of our allies who are using Apaches to handle one-way attack drones," he continued.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
The Marines would definitely know what to do with the A-10A.
The civilian warthog only has a mini gun in place of the 30mm Gatling gun.
Disappointing. But still, it would be an absolute thrill to be able to take a Warthog for a spin.
The Air Force is run by jet jockeys and the Warthog is just not glamorous enough.
Yeah, thanks for bringing up the P47… “The Jug”… awesome ground attack aircraft. Unfortunately even with drop tanks, it couldn’t escort the Bombers too far into enemy airspace… they had to wait for the P51Ds to come along for that….
I was thinking more of the “big gun, rugged platform” aspect”… plus the twin vertical stabs on both the Mitchell and the Warthog; it reminded me of the Mitchell.
Imagine the guy that said “Hey!!!! Let’s put a 75mm in the nose of the B25 and she what she do…!” A real hold my beer moment, lol!!!
Hard to believe that the Warthog was designed back in the 70s… wonder how many avionics upgrades it’s been through since then…
Maybe it’s time for an A-11 Quahog.
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