What will the replacement of A-10s by F-35s mean for the US Air Force?
A-10s fly in formation after deploying flares over Gila Bend, Arizona. (Photo: US Air Force)
The USAF plans to phase out its 162 in-operation A-10 Thunderbolt II Warthogs by the end of FY2026, replacing them with F-35As which will bring a leap in capabilities in terms of lethality, survivability and speed.
The US Air Force (USAF) intends to withdraw from operation this fiscal year the remaining 162 A-10 Thunderbolt II Warthog in its fleet. As part of the branch’s modernisation and divestment plans, the ground attack fighter will be substituted by the F‑35A Lightning II, five decades after the Warthog first entered service.
The replacement will bring a leap in capabilities for the USAF, with the branch noting that the new platform will “bring stealth, advanced sensors and greater survivability” compared to its predecessor.
The F-35A is a fifth-generation multirole combat aircraft fitted with an active electronically scanned array radar,
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![UK firm Skycutter comes out top in first US Drone Dominance Program competition]()
UK firm Skycutter comes out top in first US Drone Dominance Program competition
The startup was the only UK company to take part in the first Gauntlet for the programme, joining forces with its Ukraine partner to participate in the event.
-
![Robinson launches new uncrewed aircraft business unit, unveils new UAS cargo platform]()
Robinson launches new uncrewed aircraft business unit, unveils new UAS cargo platform
The new entity incorporates crewed and uncrewed capabilities to tackle a variety of mission demands in both defence and commercial markets.
-
![Embraer turns to AI solution for A-29 Super Tucano CUAS evolution]()
Embraer turns to AI solution for A-29 Super Tucano CUAS evolution
The AI solution is called Gunslinger, which will be used to assist the pilot in decision-making for counter-drone operations.
-
![European Defence Agency picks Airbus Helicopters’ Capa-X for M2UAS project]()
European Defence Agency picks Airbus Helicopters’ Capa-X for M2UAS project
The multi-mission uncrewed platform project is aiming to help the EU agency define new drone designs that are capable of performing a wide range of mission sets with one adaptable airframe.
