Posted on 03/15/2026 6:17:38 PM PDT by 11th_VA
U.S. forces in the Middle East have begun deploying A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft, commonly known as the “Warthog,” to counter Iranian strike drones, according to data released by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), News.Az reports.
The aircraft, traditionally used for close air support and battlefield strike missions, are now being integrated into operations aimed at protecting U.S. forces and allied assets from drone threats across the region.
CENTCOM data indicate that the A-10 jets are being used to provide direct fire support to ground forces while also intercepting and destroying Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles and their launch teams. The move comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and increasing reports of drone activity targeting military installations and shipping routes.
The A-10 Thunderbolt II is widely regarded as one of the most effective close-air-support aircraft in the world. Designed around its powerful GAU-8 Avenger 30mm cannon, the aircraft can loiter over battlefields for extended periods and strike ground targets with high precision.
Military analysts note that the deployment of A-10 aircraft suggests the United States is reinforcing its tactical airpower in the region as drone warfare becomes an increasingly prominent feature of modern conflicts.
CENTCOM has not disclosed the exact locations from which the aircraft are operating, but officials confirmed that the deployment is part of broader measures aimed at strengthening regional security and protecting U.S. personnel.
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I’m looking forward to the videos of them shooting down drones. Sort of like a hunting geese video game
I didn’t even know we still had A-10s
Now we’re talking!
Strange... Why were they not deployed immediately?
You magnificent bastards!
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A-10’s are my favorite warplane. They may be ugly, but they’re built like flying tanks and that BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRTT!! is the best damn’ sound in the world.
SEAD wasn't complete.
So the Warthogs are going to attack the anti-pork regime.
How appropriate!
Hopefully, one will fly right up Ali Larijani’s butt.
Untwist your panties, hardly alarming.
Everyone loves the Warthogs.
Except the Pentagon…
I hope this knocks some sense into the upper ranks that have been so eager to retire the A-10s.
The A-10s may not be a Day 1 aircraft but how about Week 3.
We have over a hundred still in operation and they are paid for. We should keep them active.
The smarty ones in the Pentagon are planning to buy 75 armed prop-crop dusters at $40 million each.
It doesn’t make good sense.
Strange... Why were they not deployed immediately?
_____________________
I’m thinking aerial combat/drone hunting is not exactly a warthog thing. However, drones may fly slow enough to take the warthog shotgun treatment. It lets the guys test some new tactical uses for the old platform.
“ I didn’t even know we still had A-10s”
They try to get rid of it. Then they find they need it.
The Warthog.
You better send word to the commanders. I’m sure they’re not aware of those issues.
“That means total air supremacy”
___________________________________________________________
If we had “total air supremacy” there would be no reason to send A-10’s.
I know that earlier generation attack planes lacked a lead-computing gunsight for dogfighting. I guess with drones being a non-maneuvering target that piece of equipment is irrelevant? Just close from dead astern and spray?
I think they’ll come in handy in some ways that aren’t being disclosed. Drone combat, maybe. But taking out the personnel on the ground right before/after they launch.
I love the sound of BRRRRRRAAAAAAPPPPPPP in the morning - it sounds like victory.
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