US Air Force divestment plans could create capability gaps in the Air National Guard
Two A-10 jets fly a training mission over Maryland. (Photo: US Air National Guard)
The retirement of A-10s would reduce the guard fleet and its squadron structure making it more difficult for the service to accomplish its tasks worldwide.
US Air Force (USAF) divestment plans could deeply impact the Air National Guard and generate capabilities gaps in its inventory, as well as affect its fighter fleet, reduce its squadron structure and hamper its capacity to execute global operations, according to testimony delivered last week before the US Senate Committee on Appropriations.
Leaders of the guard raised the alarm on the risky position the service would be placed in should the plans be executed, with Gen Daniel R. Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau, warning that the US must ensure the branch’s combat and response capabilities reflect the challenges of the future.
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Focus on economy over capability highlights the cost imperative for CCA success]()
Focus on economy over capability highlights the cost imperative for CCA success
Striking the right balance between cost and capability is likely to become more crucial in the increasingly competitive collaborative combat aircraft market. Shephard’s special CCA market report examines where the opportunities lie for suppliers.
-
![Saudi Arabia air report: The world’s fourth-largest UAV market seeks to strengthen domestic industry]()
Saudi Arabia air report: The world’s fourth-largest UAV market seeks to strengthen domestic industry
With $9.18 billion in uncontracted programmes — including a potential multi-billion-dollar MQ-9B deal — Saudi Arabia’s UAV sector is poised for significant further growth and industrial expansion.
-
![AI mission-autonomy software integration and partnerships see progress across CCA efforts]()
AI mission-autonomy software integration and partnerships see progress across CCA efforts
The successful integration of third-party mission autonomy in the US Air Force’s CCA programme and movement on Helsing’s Europa CA-1 timelines mark key milestones in the development of uncrewed aerial capabilities.
-
![Airbus Helicopters is deepening its European reach as NATO orders climb]()
Airbus Helicopters is deepening its European reach as NATO orders climb
Airbus has delivered more than 2,000 helicopters to nations across Europe, and continues to solidify its position at the heart of the region’s defence industrial base.
