The first legendary A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft arrives in the Middle East to assist F-15E and F-16 fighters

At the end of March, we wrote that the US Air Force would send A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft to the Middle East. The first aircraft has already arrived at its destination.

Here's What We Know

On March 31, 2023, the first A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft arrived in the US Central Command area of responsibility. It is responsible for planning operations and command and control of U.S. forces in the Central Asia, East Africa and Middle East regions. The deployment of the A-10 enhances integration with local UAE partners who are stationing US forces at Al Dhafra Air Base.

Since its inception in 1975, the A-10 Thunderbolt II has provided air support to ground forces, destroying enemy forces and infrastructure in Iraq and Afghanistan. The deployment of attack aircraft in the Middle East will allow Central Command to experiment with close air support capabilities.

The A-10 Thunderbolt II will support the fourth-generation F-15E Strike Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters. Some of the aircraft, which are based in the Middle East, will go to Europe and the Pacific.

Source: AFCENT