US Air Force Plans Retirement of All 162 A-10s by 2027

The U.S. Air Force plans to retire its entire fleet of 162 A-10 Thunderbolt II attack jets, known as Warthogs, by fiscal year 2026, accelerating the previous timeline that aimed for full retirement by 2029. This move, included in President Donald Trump's 2026 budget request, allocates $57 million for the retirement process and reflects a shift toward modernizing the Air Force with platforms like the F-15EX and a reduced purchase of F-35s, despite controversy over the F-35's capability to fully replace the A-10's close air support role. The decision aligns with broader defense spending priorities emphasizing modernization and cost efficiency, including the cancellation of the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail program due to cost overruns and survivability concerns, with a pivot toward space-based and other intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets. The A-10, valued for its durability and powerful GAU-8 Avenger 30 mm cannon in conflicts such as Iraq and Afghanistan, faces criticism for vulnerability in modern high-tech battlefields. Congressional debate continues over the A-10's retirement, reflecting its strong support among ground troops and lawmakers who question whether current replacements adequately fulfill its mission. These changes are part of a wider Pentagon effort under the Trump administration to retire older military platforms considered obsolete or ill-suited for future combat scenarios against advanced adversaries.