Editor’s note: This story was updated April 21, 2026, with additional details from an Air Force spokesperson.
The United States Air Force is going to keep the A-10 Warthog in service through 2030, Secretary of the Air Force Troy E. Meink announced Monday on X, reversing a retirement timeline set to conclude in 2029.
“In consultation with [Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth], we will EXTEND the A-10 ‘Warthog’ platform to 2030,” Meink wrote. “This preserves combat power as the Defense Industrial Base works to increase combat aircraft production.”
According to an Air Force spokesperson, one active-duty squadron at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, and one reserve squadron at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, will be extended to 2030. One additional active-duty squadron at Moody will be extended to 2029.
At this time, each squadron is expected to retain 18 aircraft, for a total expected retention of 54 A-10s to 2029, followed by a fleet reduction to 36 aircraft by 2030, split between one active-duty and one reserve squadron.
“The Air Force will use a fleet management strategy to keep the A-10s with the longest serviceable life available throughout the extension,” the spokesperson said.
The decision comes as A-10s have seen increased involvement during Operation Epic Fury in Iran.
A-10s have provided close air support in maritime operations in the Strait of Hormuz and were involved in the recent search and rescue mission that recovered two downed F-15E airmen.
One A-10 Thunderbolt II crashed during that mission. The pilot was subsequently rescued.
The fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act called for 103 A-10s to remain in service through September 2026, with a transition to full retirement by 2029.
Meink thanked President Donald Trump for “quick, decisive leadership” and said “more to come.”
