The Pentagon doubles the number of A-10 attack aircraft in the Middle East region.

2026-04-01 19:11:58

Abstract generation in progress

Investing.com - According to a report by The New York Times, two Pentagon officials said on Wednesday that the Pentagon is doubling the size of its A-10 attack aircraft fleet in the Middle East.

According to the officials, the Air Force is deploying 18 A-10 fighter jets to join the roughly 12 A-10s already in the region. U.S. commanders previously used these aircraft to strike Iranian ships and Iran-backed militia groups inside Iraq.

The slower A-10 “Warthog” is a close air support aircraft, with a cannon mounted in its nose that can fire 70 rounds of 30-millimeter ammunition per second. The A-10 flies at low altitude and low speed, allowing it to orbit over land and sea targets.

The aircraft could be used to help U.S. ground forces seize territory near the Strait of Hormuz—through which Iran has effectively blocked shipping—or seize Qeshm Island, Iran’s main oil hub in the northern Persian Gulf.

Flight-tracking data and Pentagon officials said that the A-10s based in the United States had been staying at RAF Lakenheath in Britain on the way to the region. The officials discussed operational matters on condition of anonymity.

The appearance of the A-10 aircraft indicates that Iran’s strategic air defense systems have been destroyed or severely suppressed. Compared with fighter jets, this aircraft type is more vulnerable to air defense systems.

This article was translated with the assistance of artificial intelligence. For more information, please see our Terms of Use.

View Original

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.