The Real Problem with Killing America’s A-10 Warthog: A Decade Later

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The A-10’s stellar performance during the daring rescue of “Dude 44” highlights its continued relevance on the modern battlefield—but may not be enough to save it.

Ten years ago, I published a warning about the one-way door we pass through by retiring the A-10 community of expertise. Fast-forward to the present, and the Warthog continues its painful march into sunset—and the cycle of learn, master, forget teeters on the edge of the abyss. Still, as resources grow scarcer and A-10 squadrons close around the country, the A-10 community refuses to quit on America’s warfighters, finding invaluable ways to support all phases of Operation Epic Fury. This commitment was exemplified during the rescue of the two crewmembers of “Dude 44,” the F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft lost over Iran on Friday.

The A-10 Has Gone Above and Beyond During Operation Epic Fury

These last weeks of conflict starkly remind us that war is unforgiving and that no platform is invincible. A stealthy F-35 was struck by enemy air defenses, and its pilot injured. A highly advanced and capable F-15E was downed by enemy ground fire. HH-60W Jolly Green Giant helicopters and their crews were hit during the rescue and limped home. Even in success, MC-130 and MH-6 crews needed rescue when the chaos of combat created contingencies. And then there was the A-10—damaged in battle, but continuing to fight until ejecting on egress over friendly territory in an unrecoverable jet.

Every airman must be........

© The National Interest