Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona – The U.S. Air Force (USAF) has officially ceased its training pipeline for new A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots, with the final class graduating on April 3, 2026, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. This move marks a quiet yet significant milestone in the phased retirement of the iconic close air support aircraft, affectionately known as the "Warthog," which is slated for full divestment by 2029. The cessation of new pilot training underscores the Air Force's firm commitment to transitioning away from the A-10.
The decision to halt new pilot training is a critical step in the A-10's decommissioning process, signaling the end of an era for the dedicated ground-attack aircraft. "The Warthog isn’t gone yet, but the final countdown has begun, with full retirement expected by 2029," stated a tweet from Air Power, reflecting the sentiment surrounding the aircraft's impending departure. Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Kim “KC” Campbell, a decorated A-10 pilot, addressed the final graduating class, offering advice and congratulations at the ceremony.
The A-10 Thunderbolt II has been a cornerstone of the Air Force's close air support capabilities for nearly five decades, renowned for its durability, heavy armament, and effectiveness against ground targets. Designed during the Cold War to counter Soviet armor, its unique capabilities, including the powerful GAU-8 Avenger cannon, made it invaluable in conflicts like Operation Desert Storm and in Afghanistan and Iraq. However, the Air Force argues that the A-10's "low-and-slow" flight profile makes it vulnerable in modern contested environments against adversaries with advanced air defenses.
The USAF has been advocating for the A-10's retirement for over a decade, seeking to reallocate resources to newer, multi-role platforms like the F-35 that can operate in more challenging airspace. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown Jr. stated in March 2023 that the service would likely retire all A-10s over the next five or six years, emphasizing the need for aircraft capable of surviving in future contested environments. Congress has historically pushed back against rapid retirement plans, but recent legislative actions have allowed for a gradual drawdown.
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base has long been synonymous with the A-10, serving as a primary operational and training hub for the aircraft. The base is also home to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG), often referred to as the "boneyard," where retired A-10s are being sent. The base's role will now shift as A-10 units are either deactivated or transition to other aircraft, marking a significant change for the Arizona installation.
