The first legendary A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft arrives in the Middle East to help F-15E and F-16 fighters
At the end of March, we wrote that the US Air Force would send A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft to the Middle East. The first aircraft has already arrived at its destination.
On March 31, 2023, the first A-10 Thunderbolt II arrived in the area of responsibility of the US Central Command. The command is responsible for planning operations and commanding U.S. forces in Central Asia, East Africa and the Middle East. The deployment of the A-10 enhances integration with local partners from the UAE, which hosts U.S. forces at Al Dhafra Air Base.
Since its inception in 1975, the A-10 Thunderbolt II has provided air support to ground forces, destroying enemy forces and infrastructure in Iraq and Afghanistan. The deployment of the attack aircraft to the Middle East will allow the Central Command to experiment with close air support capabilities.
The A-10 Thunderbolt II will be supported by fourth-generation F-15E Strike Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters. Some of the aircraft based in the Middle East will be deployed to Europe and the Pacific.
