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Congress Keeps the A-10 Warthog Flying
A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced legislation that would keep the iconic A-10 Thunderbolt II in U.S. Air Force service through 2033. The proposal comes as the aircraft continues flying combat missions in the Middle East, with supporters arguing its recent battlefield performance proves it remains indispensable despite long-standing retirement plans.
An A-10 Thunderbolt II performs aerial demonstrations over Wantagh, N.Y., on May 25, 2024. (Justin Remo/U.S. Coast Guard)
The A-10 Warthog has survived decades of retirement attempts.
Now, Congress wants to give it another mission.
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A bipartisan group of lawmakers recently introduced H.R. 9780, known as the BRRRRT Act, a bill that would prohibit the Air Force from retiring the A-10 Thunderbolt II before Fiscal Year 2033.
The bill arrives as the aircraft is once again proving its value in combat.
If you've followed this far, here's why lawmakers are trying to keep the Warthog in the fight.
According to supporters of the legislation, A-10s have been flying maritime strike missions during the ongoing conflict involving Iran, targeting Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fast-attack boats and mine-laying vessels operating near the Strait of Hormuz.
Officials backing the bill say the aircraft has helped neutralize more than 120 IRGC boats and mine layers, demonstrating that a platform originally designed for close air support can still adapt to modern threats.
The A-10's performance has strengthened arguments that retiring the aircraft now would create a dangerous capability gap.
Under the Air Force's current modernization plan, only two A-10 squadrons are expected to remain operational through 2030, after which the fleet would begin retiring.
Supporters of the BRRRRT Act argue that timeline is premature because no aircraft has yet been fully certified to replace the Warthog's unique close air support mission.
Designed during the Cold War, the A-10 Thunderbolt II entered service in 1977 with one purpose: protecting ground troops.
Its titanium-armored cockpit, ability to fly low and slow, and the legendary GAU-8/A 30mm Avenger cannon have made it one of the most recognizable aircraft in military aviation.
That cannon, capable of firing nearly 4,000 rounds per minute, earned the aircraft its famous nickname, "BRRRRT," inspiring the title of the new legislation.
Military analysts note that while advanced fighters such as the F-35 Lightning II offer stealth and multi-role capabilities, none have fully replicated the A-10's combination of endurance, survivability, precision firepower, and ability to operate close to friendly forces.
Advocates also warn that retiring the aircraft too quickly could affect pilot training, maintenance expertise, and operational readiness before a proven successor is available.
The Air Force, however, has maintained that transitioning to newer aircraft is essential for preparing for future conflicts against technologically advanced adversaries.
Service leaders argue resources devoted to maintaining aging A-10s could instead support next-generation aircraft designed for highly contested environments.
The debate has continued for more than a decade, but recent combat operations have given Warthog supporters fresh momentum.
Whether the BRRRRT Act ultimately becomes law remains uncertain.
What is clear is that one of America's most recognizable warplanes continues to shape the conversation about the future of U.S. air power.
Nearly fifty years after entering service, the Warthog is still fighting to prove it belongs on tomorrow's battlefield.
Editor's Note
H.R. 9780, the BRRRRT Act, has been introduced in Congress but has not yet been enacted into law. Supporters argue the A-10 should remain in service until a fully capable replacement is operational, while the Air Force continues to advocate for transitioning to newer aircraft as part of its long-term modernization strategy.
