A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has introduced a bill to prevent the retirement of the A-10 Thunderbolt II, known as the Warthog, until a fully certified replacement is operational.
The information comes from the specialized website The Aviationist. Named the BRRRRT Act, in reference to the distinctive sound of the aircraft’s 30 mm GAU-8/A cannon, the proposal would keep the fleet in service until at least fiscal year 2033.
The bill also requires the Air Force to maintain at least 126 aircraft in operation, above the current minimum of 103 established by Congress. In addition, it calls for the restoration of maintenance, pilot training, testing, and logistics infrastructure that has been deactivated as part of the gradual retirement of the A-10.
Another requirement of the proposal is that further retirements may only take place after the Secretary of Defense certifies that an aircraft exists that can fully replace the A-10 in its primary close air support mission (Close Air Support – CAS).
The certification would also need to be approved by officials from the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command.
“The BRRRRT Act ensures that we do not retire a proven weapons system before a certified replacement exists. This is about common sense, national security, and keeping faith with the men and women who depend on the A-10 in combat,” said Representative Abe Hamadeh.
The debate over the future of the Warthog intensified following recent military operations, in which the aircraft once again demonstrated its usefulness in troop support and combat search-and-rescue missions.
If the BRRRRT Act is not approved, some of its measures could still be incorporated into the next National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which is being considered separately in Congress.
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Photos: U.S. Air Force. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
