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 will transition away from its ageing A-10 aircraft in 2025, in favour of updating and enhancing its F-16, and introducing F-15EX and F-35 Lightning II jets in the region.
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
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Attack drones versus CUAS – the future of warfare or just another trend?]()
Attack drones versus CUAS – the future of warfare or just another trend?
Demand signals for counter-drone technology are strong and the market is becoming crowded, but is this really the beginning of a new phase of warfare or will commentators be talking about something else 10 years from now?
-
![The 2020s: a decade of UAV spending growth]()
The 2020s: a decade of UAV spending growth
Total annual drone spending has increased nearly sixfold since the start of the decade, from $2.9 billion in 2020 to $16.3 billion in 2028, with Europe leading the rise.
-
![July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough]()
July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough
Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2026 revealed the growing scale of the UK’s uncrewed ambitions, with companies showcasing new CCA, autonomous wingmen and surveillance drones, while sovereign production emerged as a key factor for multiple programmes.
-
![July air forces review: Farnborough steals the headlines as programmes develop]()
July air forces review: Farnborough steals the headlines as programmes develop
The biannual Farnborough International Airshow 2026 was the backdrop in July for scores of deals, partnerships and announcements, including developments in the multinational next-generation Global Combat Air Programme and the UK’s $486 million trainer aircraft requirement.
