The U.S. Air Force has extended the A-10 Thunderbolt II service life to 2030, reversing plans for full retirement by 2029. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink announced the decision in consultation with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, citing renewed combat demands in the Middle East.
This preserves close air support capabilities as the defense industrial base ramps up production of next-generation fighters. Two squadrons—one active-duty unit at Moody AFB, Georgia, and one reserve unit at Whiteman AFB, Missouri—will operate until 2030, with a second Moody squadron extended to 2029.
The move follows heavy A-10 deployments against Iranian-aligned militias in Iraq, armed Iranian boats in the Strait of Hormuz, and enforcement of a U.S. blockade on Iranian ports. Previously, the Air Force cut a quarter of its A-10 inventory since 2024, ended new pilot training, and ceased depot maintenance to accelerate divestment.
Earlier budget proposals sought complete retirement in fiscal 2026, overruled by Congress. With about 281 aircraft remaining, the extension maintains proven ground-attack expertise critical for current low-to-medium threat environments, buying time for fleet modernization.