US Air Force Extends A-10 Service to 2030

The U.S. Air Force announced on April 20, 2026, that it will extend the service life of its A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft, known as the Warthog, through 2030, reversing plans for a full retirement by 2029. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink made the decision public in a post on X, stating it was developed in consultation with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to maintain combat capabilities while the defense industrial base increases production of new fighter aircraft.

The extension affects specific units, including one active-duty squadron and one reserve squadron, each with 18 aircraft. The active-duty unit is based at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia, and the reserve unit is at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri; both will operate until 2030. A second active-duty squadron at Moody will continue through 2029. This will keep 54 A-10s in service through 2029, reducing to 36 by 2030, according to an Air Force spokesperson. The service will prioritize aircraft with the longest remaining service life to support the extension.

The move follows the aircraft's active role in Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. military campaign against Iran. A-10s have provided close air support, including strikes...