Aircraft
USAF Rethink Means Warthog Lives to Fight Another Day
Pentagon reverses A-10 retirement, but looks for new close air support platform.
The A-10 Warthog's days as a U.S. Air Force attack aircraft had seemed numbered until a decision in May to keep it in service. [Photo: Chris Pocock]
The A-10 Warthog's days as a U.S. Air Force attack aircraft had seemed numbered until a decision in May to keep it in service. [Photo: Chris Pocock]

The U.S. Air Force has finally seen sense. That was the reaction of many air power specialists to the news in May that it has reversed course and decided to retain the A-10 ‘Warthog’ attack aircraft in service for the indefinite future. Moreover, it is now going to explore buying a new, low-cost off-the-shelf aircraft to perform similar missions to those flown by the A-10.