Gowan Air Force Base replaces legendary A-10 Thunderbolt II jets with fourth-generation F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters

We recently wrote that Moody Air Force Base will begin replacing A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft with fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighters in 2027. Gowen Base, Idaho, will also retire Fairchild Republic's legendary aircraft.

Here's What We Know

The US Air Force has officially confirmed that Gowen Air Force Base will replace the A-10 Thunderbolt II with the fourth generation F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters. The transition will help support the national defence strategy. All A-10s will retire by the autumn of 2026.

The F-16s will begin arriving at the Idaho base in the spring of 2027. The decision to deploy Lockheed Martin fighters here was made after an infrastructure assessment. At the same time it will be finally approved after the environmental impact analysis, which will be completed in spring 2025.

Source: US Air Force