Dozens of A-10 Warthog attack aircraft appear set to deploy or expand operations under Operation Epic Fury, highlighting the US military’s renewed reliance on the rugged, loiter-capable jet for close air support, drone defense, and strikes against Iran-aligned targets despite plans to retire the aging platform. The War Zone writes:

Publicly available flight-tracking data today suggested that the Air Force was preparing to send a flight of A-10s across the Atlantic, with three KC-135 Stratotankers already airborne from RAF Mildenhall in England, apparently to meet TABOR 71, a flight of eight Warthogs headed in the opposite direction. Two of those jets were spares, according to unverified reports based on radio traffic. […]

Warthogs Filling the Runway Portsmouth International Airport at Pease, New Hampshire

TABOR71 pic.twitter.com/d09UuJpOmM

— Dave O’Brien (@DaveOTGphotog) March 30, 2026

…there are indications that as many as 20 A-10Cs have gathered at Portsmouth International Airport at Pease, New Hampshire, which is a standard jump-off point for a flight across to RAF Lakenheath in England, which has seen a major influx of U.S. combat jets in recent weeks. […]

Having more A-10s in theater would provide additional capability, were the U.S. military to occupy or blockade Iran’s strategically vital Kharg Island, a prospect that we have discussed in detail in the past. A-10s could also provide valuable close air support for commando raids deeper into Iran. […]

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