U.S. Air Force Extends A-10 Attack Aircraft Service Life to 2030

Source: Global Times
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Report Content

On April 20 local time, a CCTV reporter learned that the U.S. Air Force has decided to extend the service life of the A-10 "Thunderbolt II" attack aircraft until 2030, significantly delaying the original retirement plan set for 2026.

The U.S. Secretary of the Air Force stated that this move aims to maintain current combat capabilities while the defense industrial base enhances aircraft production capacity. It is reported that the A-10 "Thunderbolt II" attack aircraft has been deployed in current operations related to Iran, and its 30mm cannon mounted on the nose has been used to strike Iranian vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. (CCTV reporter Liu Xiaoqian)

Classification
Region
West Asia
Analytical Domain
Operational
Primary Category / Secondary Categories
Weapons & Equipment / Logistics
Subcategory
New Weapon System
SALUTE Report
Size
Not specified
Activity
The U.S. Air Force has decided to extend the service life of the A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft until 2030, significantly delaying the original retirement plan.
Location
Iran
Unit
U.S. Air Force
Time
April 20, 2023
Equipment
A-10 Thunderbolt II30mm cannon
Summary

The U.S. Air Force has extended the service life of the A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft until 2030, delaying its original retirement plan from 2026. This decision aims to maintain operational capabilities while the defense industrial base enhances aircraft production. The A-10 has been actively used in operations concerning Iran, equipped with a 30mm cannon for combat.

Key Facts
  • The U.S. Air Force has extended the A-10 Thunderbolt II's service life to 2030.
  • The original retirement plan was set for 2026.
  • This decision aims to maintain operational capabilities during the enhancement of defense industrial capacity.
  • The A-10 has been used in current operations related to Iran.
  • The aircraft is equipped with a 30mm cannon.

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