There is simply no viable replacement for the function the A-10 performs so well. It is a version of cavalry that happens to fly, rather like a flying tank, throwing out huge amounts of projectiles at very high muzzle velocity, and capable of disabling or even destroying a terrestrial armored vehicle. To say nothing about what would happen to a column of supply or personnel carrier vehicles.
Add to that the high degree of mobility, and you have a devastating war machine.
Crank up the production lines and start getting them out there on the front. Shock and Awe still are major psychological and tactical strategies.
I agree, and stealth is the exact opposite of part of the A-10s function. They know it is coming, they know when it gets there, the only thing you can do is run, and as “slow” as it is... the targets it shoots at are not going to out run it.
Snipers and stealth planes and drones are one type of intimidation. Loud, powerful and unstoppable destruction is a different kind.
Fairchild Republic has been out of business since the '90's. The Hagerstown plant where the production A-10s were built has been closed for over 30 years. The subcontracting companies that made the parts have long since crumpled under the weight of Pentagon procurement and the dust has blown away.
The only thing that is keeping them flying is that the aircraft was built simple and strong, for field repair and fast turnaround, without, oddly, all the Captain Midnight fly-by-wire the pilot/procurers so dearly love. Control is siamesed hydraulic systems, with a manual backup.
Consider this. The aircraft is designed to fly with one engine, one tail, one elevator, and half of one wing missing. However, there is no way there will ever be another A-10C built.