Why is the USAF still flying the B-52 designed more than 60 years ago and with the planes older than the crews who fly them? I would think the A-10 would continue to fill a unique role just like the B-52. Instead of drones, a fleet of A-10s could pulverize ISIS forces in Iraq.
"Last week, the joint commander in charge of operations against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria reported that Syrian Arab Coalition fighters had beaten back the group, taking the town of Al-Hawl and 250 square kilometers of territory around it in an offensive supported from the air by US Air Force A-10s and AC-130s flying from a Turkish air base. Now, the Air Force is apparently reconsidering the timeline it has set for retiring the A-10, as the demand for the venerable assault plane's close air support capabilities rises yet again."
http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/11/us-air-forces-top-combat-general-says-a-10-retirement-may-be-postponed/