(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — As the conflict between Israel and Hamas entered its second week, the United States is deploying more of its military assets to the Middle East, including the renowned A-10 “Warthog” fighter aircraft, known for its ground attack missions.
The A-10 Warthog fighter aircraft is the primary ground attack aircraft for the United States military.
The deployment of additional A-10 aircraft, which are specifically designed for Close Air Support (CAS) missions, such as targeting ground strongholds and armored vehicles, raises some questions.
One of the main questions being raised is whether the United States is preparing to get directly involved in the conflict between Israel and Hamas if Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon also become involved.
If Hezbollah, which are supported and funded by Iran becomes involved in the Israel-Hamas conflict, there is a possibility that the existing conflict may escalate and involve multiple countries, including Iran and other regional armed groups.
This is possibly why the United States is deploying A-10 fighter aircraft designed to eliminate ground targets.
At this time, a U.S. aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, and its accompanying ships are already in the Eastern Mediterranean waters near Israel, and in the coming days, they will be joined by another aircraft carrier, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, along with its accompanying ships.
The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower can carry 60 combat aircraft, while the USS Gerald R. Ford can carry 75 combat aircraft.
The A-10 aircraft being deployed to the Middle East are based at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona.
They will join other U.S. fighter aircraft such as the F-35A, F-15, and F-16, which have already been stationed at various air bases in the Middle East.
In fact, the United States had planned to retire the A-10 aircraft by 2029, as it was considered incapable of surviving against modern air defense systems.
This year, the A-10, also known as the “Warthog,” developed by Fairchild Aircraft, has reached the age of 51 since its first flight in 1972.
Furthermore, the company that developed the A-10, Fairchild Aircraft, is no longer in operation and was taken over by M7 Aerospace before being acquired by Elbit Systems.
Equipped with a 30mm GAU/Avenger “Gatling Gun” with seven barrels capable of firing 3,900 rounds per minute to destroy armored vehicles, tanks, and enemy positions, the A-10 Thunderbolt is indeed a formidable threat to enemy armor and defense infrastructure.
In addition to the 30mm cannon with rounds the size of a Coca-Cola bottle, the A-10 is also equipped with guided missiles like the “Maverick” and JDAM guided bombs. — DSA
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