(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Jordan has emerged as the preferred destination for the United States Air Force (USAF) A-10 “Thunderbolt” ground-attack aircraft, which are scheduled for retirement by 2030.
There were initial plans to supply the A-10s to Ukraine, but Jordan, a close ally of the United States in the Middle East, has been chosen to receive these uniquely designed aircraft.
In addition to Jordan and Ukraine, Colombia has also expressed interest in acquiring the A-10 ground-attack fighters.
On Monday, the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee formally requested the Department of Defense (Pentagon) to consider transferring the A-10s to Jordan.
Jordan needs ground-attack aircraft like the A-10 to support anti-terrorism operations, particularly along its borders with Syria and Iraq.
As of early this year, the USAF still had 218 A-10 ground-attack aircraft in service across various units, including the reserves and the Air National Guard.
Recognizing that the A-10 “Thunderbolt” can no longer defend itself against modern air defense systems, the U.S. military has decided to end the long service of this uniquely designed aircraft by 2029.
This year marks the 51st anniversary of the A-10, developed by Fairchild Aircraft, commonly known as the “Warthog.” Fairchild Aircraft, which developed the A-10, has long been defunct and was acquired by M7 Aerospace, which was later bought by Elbit Systems.
Initially designed for missions in Europe during the height of the Cold War, the A-10s saw more action during the Gulf War and the conflicts in Afghanistan, where they became highly popular with U.S. ground troops.
The A-10’s exceptional performance during the Gulf War and in Afghanistan delayed its early retirement by the top brass of the USAF.
Equipped with a 30mm GAU/Avenger “Gatling Gun” capable of firing 3,900 rounds per minute to destroy tanks, armored vehicles, and enemy positions, the A-10 Thunderbolt is a nightmare for enemy armor and defense infrastructures.
Besides the 30mm cannon with rounds as large as Coca-Cola bottles, the A-10 is also armed with “Maverick” missiles and JDAM-guided bombs.
The U.S. military has considered retiring the A-10 as early as 1991, but its impressive performance in the Gulf War, where it reportedly destroyed hundreds of Saddam Hussein’s tanks and armored vehicles, as well as its role in Afghanistan, kept it in service.
According to the latest plans, the USAF will begin retiring 21 A-10 aircraft this year, followed by others, until all 218 are decommissioned by 2029.
Initially, the A-10, designed for close air support (CAS) missions, was to be replaced by the F-16.
However, considering that the F-16 is also aging and due for retirement within a decade, the U.S. plans to replace the A-10 with F-35 aircraft, aligning with its role as a multirole fighter.
The question remains: can the F-35 fulfill the close air support (CAS) role for ground troops as effectively as the A-10 Thunderbolt? — DSA