The United States Air Force is increasing its presence in the Middle East by sending dozens of additional A-10 “Warthog” attack aircraft. These aircraft, already engaged against the Iranian navy in the Strait of Hormuz, would bolster American military capabilities in the event of an occupation or blockade of the Kharg Island and could provide valuable close air support during commando raids deeper into Iran.
According to the online military news outlet The War Zone, additional American A-10 “Warthogs” appear ready 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, as TWZ reports, around twenty A-10s have gathered at Portsmouth International Airport at Pease, New Hampshire – a usual departure point for flights to Lakenheath Air Base in England, which has seen a significant influx of American combat aircraft in recent weeks.
Our colleagues report that 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 Air Base.
Valuable in the event of occupation of Kharg Island or deeper commando raids in Iran
As previously mentioned, 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 address the nearly paralyzed commercial navigation through the waterway due to Iranian attacks on ships and Iran’s declaration of closure of the strait. Additionally, A-10s have been observed attacking Iran-backed militias in Iraq.
As highlighted by The War Zone, the increased deployment of A-10s in the Middle East would strengthen American military capabilities in the event of an occupation or blockade of the strategically vital Iranian Kharg Island. The A-10s could also provide valuable close air support during commando raids deeper into Iran.
