The US Air Force is stepping up its presence in the Middle East with the imminent deployment of dozens of additional A-10 “Warthog” attack aircraft. Already engaged against the Iranian navy in the Strait of Hormuz, these aircraft would bolster American military capabilities in the event of an occupation or blockade of Kharg Island and could also provide valuable close air support during commando raids deeper into Iran.
According to the online media outlet specializing in military news, The War Zone, additional American A-10 “Warthogs” seem poised to join Operation Epic Fury.
Flight tracking data, consulted by our colleagues, indicates that the US Air Force is preparing to send a formation of A-10s across the Atlantic. Three KC-135 Stratotanker tankers had already taken off from Mildenhall base in England, apparently to join a group of eight “Warthogs” heading in the opposite direction.
Additionally, according to TWZ, around twenty A-10s have gathered at Portsmouth International Airport at Pease in New Hampshire, a usual departure point for flights to Lakenheath airbase in England, which has seen a significant influx of American combat aircraft in recent weeks.
According to our colleagues, these “Warthogs” come from the 124th Fighter Wing of the Idaho Air National Guard at Gowen Field and the 127th Fighter Wing of the Michigan Air National Guard at Selfridge airbase.
Valuable in the event of occupation of Kharg Island or commando raids deeper into Iran
As mentioned, the A-10s are already involved in dismantling the Iranian navy, operating in the Strait of Hormuz as part of broader efforts by the US military to find solutions to reopen this crucial maritime passage for commercial shipping, nearly paralyzed by Iranian attacks on ships and the declaration of the strait’s closure by Iran. Additionally, A-10s have been observed attacking Iran-supported militias in Iraq.
As highlighted by The War Zone, the increased deployment of A-10s in the Middle East would enhance American military capabilities in the event of an occupation or blockade of the strategically vital Iranian island of Kharg. The A-10s could also provide valuable close air support during commando raids deeper into Iran.
