It is the season of miracles, and there seems to be guardian angels watching over the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II, an aircraft that the United States Air Force has been trying to retire for years. The service’s Scrooge-like efforts were halted yet again by congressional lawmakers, who also saved F-15E Strike Eagles, KC-135 Stratotankers, and RQ-4 Global Hawks.

The US Air Force had sought to retire its remaining 162 A-10s along with 21 F-15Es in fiscal year 2026 (FY26), but the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) would limit it to just 59 A-10s and no F-15Es sent to retirement. The measure has yet to be passed by both Houses of Congress and signed by President Donald Trump. The NDAA also called for $250 million in F-35 Lightning II upgrades to be redirected to supplement spare parts.

“The annual defense measure authorizes spending, sets policy, and directs actions, including reports, studies, research, and more,” Air & Space Forces magazine

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