The US Air Force is intensifying its presence in the Middle East by sending dozens of additional A-10 “Warthog” attack planes. Already engaged against the Iranian navy in the Strait of Hormuz, these aircraft would bolster American military capabilities in case of occupation or blockade of the Kharg Island and could also provide valuable close air support during deeper commando raids into Iran.
According to the online media outlet specializing in military news, The War Zone, dozens of additional American A-10 “Warthogs” appear poised to join Operation Epic Fury.
Flight tracking data, as reported by our colleagues, suggests that the US Air Force is preparing to send a formation of A-10s across the Atlantic. Three KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft had already taken off from Mildenhall Air Base in England, seemingly to join a group of eight “Warthogs” heading in the opposite direction.
Furthermore, as per TWZ, 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 US combat aircraft in recent weeks.
Our sources indicate that these “Warthogs” come from the 124th Fighter Wing of the Idaho Air National Guard at Gowen Field and the 127th Wing of the Michigan Air National Guard at Selfridge Air Base.
Precious in case of occupation of Kharg Island or deeper commando raids into Iran
As mentioned earlier, the A-10s are already involved in dismantling the Iranian navy, operating in the Strait of Hormuz as part of broader US military efforts to reopen this crucial maritime passage to commercial navigation, nearly paralyzed by Iranian attacks on ships and the declaration of closure of the strait by Iran. Additionally, the A-10s have been observed attacking Iran-backed militias in Iraq on several occasions.
As highlighted by The War Zone, the increased deployment of A-10s in the Middle East would strengthen American military capabilities in case of occupation or blockade of the strategically vital Iranian Kharg Island. The A-10s could also provide valuable close air support during deeper commando raids into Iran.
