A-10 Warthog repurposed to engage small boats in Iran amid fleet retention

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 10:06:00 +0200

The U.S. Air Force's A-10 Warthog has taken on a new maritime role, targeting Iranian boats and coastal threats, extending the aircraft's operational relevance despite ongoing attempts to retire it. The Air Force had planned to phase out the A-10 due to its age and vulnerability in modern air combat, but Congress has blocked reductions, requiring the fleet to remain above 103 aircraft in Fiscal Year 2026. During recent operations, A-10s have been active in the southern flank of the conflict with Iran, focusing on naval targets such as fast attack craft, mine storage facilities, and ammunition depots in the Strait of Hormuz. The aircraft's long loiter time and precision targeting capability make it valuable in these maritime missions. Meanwhile, the conflict has escalated tensions, with President Donald Trump threatening Iran's civilian infrastructure over the Strait of Hormuz blockade, though a temporary ceasefire was negotiated. The A-10, originally designed for tank-killing missions