US Air Force A-10s to exit South Korea in favour of fourth- and fifth-gen fighter jets
In 2023, the USAF announced that it was intending to retire all A-10 ‘Warthog’ Thunderbolt II aircraft by 2029. (Photo: USAF)
The US Air Force (USAF) is planning to move its 25th Fighter Squadron at Osan Air Base in South Korea away from its A-10 Thunderbolt II, in favour of enhancing its fourth- and fifth-gen fighter jet capabilities. According to US officials, the aircraft will begin a phased withdrawal from the fighter squadron, starting in January 2025.
The change in strategy represents a “pivotal upgrade” in USAF capabilities in the region, according to the secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs. The decision also formed part of the US Department of Defense’s longer-standing modernisation plan to retire more than 1,000
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
India fast-tracks helicopter procurement with dual RFIs for 276 platforms
India has issued urgent RFIs for more than 270 reconnaissance, surveillance and utility helicopters across its services, signalling a systemic overhaul of rotary-wing capabilities with a renewed emphasis on indigenous production and technology transfer.
-
US combat drone plan rushes forward with first flight and selection in FY2026
The US Department of Defence (DoD) previously selected Anduril Industries and General Atomics to develop production-representative prototypes under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme. A competitive Increment 1 production decision is expected in FY2026.
-
DSEI 2025: Saab unveils new CUAS missile solution to defeat UAS swarms
The Nimbrix missile has been developed and tested over the last year and is Saab’s latest cost-effective answer to help armed forces counteract escalating numbers of uncrewed aerial threats on the battlefield.
-
Will drone motherships form part of tomorrow’s warfare?
While motherships offer multiple operational advantages, the changes in the character of warfare may bring new tactics to the battlefield, reducing their role.