US doubles A-10 fleet in Middle East, deploying Warthogs toward Iran
Photo: US Army (Getty Images)
The US Department of Defense is doubling the number of A-10 attack aircraft in the Middle East. According to two Pentagon officials, 18 aircraft are being deployed to the region to join the roughly dozen already stationed there, The New York Times reports.
Boosting strike aviation
The Pentagon is deploying an additional 18 A-10 Warthog attack aircraft to the Middle East. Together with the roughly ten aircraft already in the region, the total number will reach 30. The deployment is taking place via RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom.
The decision was made despite President Donald Trump’s statements about his intention to end the war with Iran in two or three weeks. According to officials, the aircraft will be used to support ground operations, including the potential capture of territories near the Strait of Hormuz and Kharg Island—a key Iranian oil hub.
A-10 Warthog
The A-10 is a low-speed (maximum speed of about 700 km/h) ground-attack aircraft designed to support ground forces. Its primary weapon is the 30-mm GAU-8 cannon, capable of firing 70 rounds per second.
The aircraft can remain over a target for extended periods at low altitudes, making it effective against boats, armored vehicles, and fortifications.
The presence of A-10s in the region indicates that Iran’s air defense has been significantly weakened—these aircraft are more vulnerable to air defense systems than fighters, and their deployment is only possible if airspace is under control.
A-10 use in current war
Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine confirmed that A-10s are already being used to patrol the Strait of Hormuz.
"The A-10 Warthog is now in the fight across the southern flank, and is hunting and killing fast-attack watercraft in the Strait of Hormuz," he stated on March 19.
Footage has emerged on social media showing the A-10 striking Iranian targets in Iraq. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously reported that the US has achieved such control over Iran’s airspace that, for the first time since the war began, B-52 bombers are flying directly over the country’s territory.
Scaling up paradox
The Pentagon has been trying for decades to phase out the A-10, which was developed back in the 1970s. However, the aircraft remains indispensable for supporting ground forces. It was actively used during the 1991 Gulf War, in Iraq, Afghanistan, and against the Islamic State in Syria.
The US and Israel’s war with Iran has been ongoing for over a month. The Pentagon confirmed the loss of 16 MQ-9 Reaper drones, which were shot down over Iranian territory.
Czech President Petr Pavel noted that no one has attacked the US, explaining why NATO would not go to war in Iran. the conflict does not fall under Article 5 on collective defense, as there has been no aggression against Alliance countries.
At the same time, Washington has been trying to enlist European partners in defending the Strait of Hormuz. As reported by the Financial Times, Trump blackmailed allies by threatening to halt arms supplies to Ukraine if they did not join the coalition. Under this pressure, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and OVER 30 other countries urgently signed a joint statement expressing their readiness to facilitate safe navigation.
