A combat aircraft that was actually scheduled for decommissioning plays a central role in the current conflict with Iran: According to the US military, the A-10 “Warthog” is currently in combat operations in the Strait of Hormuz. This shared Dan Caine, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staffat a press conference at the Pentagon on Thursday.

A-10 proved its worth in the Gulf War and Afghanistan

“The A-10 Warthog is currently in action on the southern flank and hunts down and destroys fast attack boats in the Strait of Hormuz,” Caine said. This gives new strategic importance to the aircraft, which was originally scheduled to be decommissioned this year due to high costs.

The twin-engine A-10, nicknamed the “Thunderbolt” (called “Warthog” by the pilots themselves), entered service in 1976. The weapon system made a name for itself primarily through its operations in the Gulf War in 1991 and later in Afghanistan. There, “Thunderbolt” supported ground troops from the air in dangerous situations. Particularly striking: the sound of the system’s seven-barreled 30-millimeter Gatling gun, familiar from films.

US Congress opposes decommissioning

In addition to this, the fighter aircraft can carry missiles, guided and unguided bombs and laser-guided ammunition. Their construction is considered particularly robust: during the Gulf War, operational readiness was over 95 percent. The machines are heavily armored, the pilot is protected by titanium, and even if one engine or part of the wings fails, the A-10 remains flyable.

Despite these capabilities, the US Air Force planned to retire the model due to cost reasons. Modernizing aging aircraft and maintaining them are considered expensive. In the long term, the F-35 should take over the tasks. There has been resistance to this plan for some time in the US Congress. Meanwhile, Caine announced further missions.