U.S. Air Force retires A-10s from South Korea in strategic shift
Posted on November 14, 2024 by alert5
The United States Air Force is preparing to withdraw its fleet of A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft from Osan Air Base in South Korea, marking a significant shift in its military strategy in the region. The 25th Fighter Squadron, nicknamed the “Assam Draggins”, has been stationed at Osan AB since 1982, playing a crucial role in maintaining peace on the Korean peninsula. However, as part of a sweeping modernisation effort, the A-10s will be phased out by the end of fiscal year 2025.
A U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II, with the 51st Fighter Wing, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, sits on the flight line of Clark Air Base, Philippines, April 16, 2016, after having flown missions in support of Exercise Balikatan 16. The A-10Cs stayed supporting a newly stood up Air Contingent in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. The contingent provides opportunities to expand cooperation and interoperability with Philippine counterparts and reassure partners and allies of the United States’ commitment in the region. The five A-10Cs were joined by three HH-60G Pavehawks and approximately 200 Pacific Air Forces personnel including aircrew, maintainers, logistics and support personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton)
The withdrawal will see all 24 A-10s currently stationed at Osan AB removed from service in South Korea. This move is part of a larger strategy by the US Air Force to transition towards more advanced aircraft, including upgraded F-16 Fighting Falcons, F-35 Lightning IIs, and F-15EX Eagle IIs. Lt. Gen. David Iverson, Seventh Air Force commander and U.S. Forces Korea deputy commander, highlighted the rationale behind this change: “By introducing advanced fourth and fifth-generation aircraft like our upgraded (F-16 Fighting Falcons), along with (F-35 Lightning IIs) and (F-15EX Eagle IIs) in the Pacific region, we are significantly enhancing our overall air combat capabilities in the Korean theater.”
https://alert5.com/2024/11/14/u-s-air-force-retires-a-10s-from-south-korea-in-strategic-shift/
