{"id":181620,"date":"2026-04-21T09:27:42","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T13:27:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/valorguardians.com\/blog\/?p=181620"},"modified":"2026-04-21T09:29:10","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T13:29:10","slug":"the-brrrrrrt-lives-on","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/valorguardians.com\/blog\/?p=181620","title":{"rendered":"The BRRRRRRT! Lives On"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\nFairchild-Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II<\/em><\/p>\n

US Air Force extends A-10 Warthog through 2030<\/h3>\n

By Michael Scanlon<\/strong><\/p>\n

The United States Air Force is going to keep the A-10 Warthog in service through 2030, Secretary of the Air Force Troy E. Meink announced Monday on X, reversing a retirement timeline set to conclude in 2029.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn consultation with [Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth], we will EXTEND the A-10 \u2018Warthog\u2019 platform to 2030,\u201d Meink wrote. \u201cThis preserves combat power as the Defense Industrial Base works to increase combat aircraft production.\u201d<\/p>\n

The decision comes as A-10s have seen increased involvement during Operation Epic Fury in Iran.<\/p>\n

A-10s have provided close air support in maritime operations in the Strait of Hormuz and were involved in the recent search and rescue mission that recovered two downed F-15E airmen.<\/p>\n

One A-10 Thunderbolt II crashed during that mission. The pilot was subsequently rescued.<\/p>\n

The fiscal 2026 NDAA called for 103 A-10s to remain in service through September 2026, with a transition to full retirement by 2029.<\/p>\n

It remains unclear how many A-10s will remain in service through 2030.<\/p>\n

Meink thanked President Donald Trump for \u201cquick, decisive leadership\u201d and said \u201cmore to come.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Military Times<\/a>
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