Air Force tests A-10 alternatives
The iconic A-10 Warthog may still be flying for at least another five years, but the U.S. Air Force is actively exploring leaner, cheaper aircraft to handle part of its legendary ground-attack mission. Throughout the month at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, several smaller, simpler aircraft are being tested as potential complements—or successors—to the Warthog in lower-threat environments.
Beloved by ground troops and lawmakers alike, the A-10’s ability to fly low, slow, and close to friendly forces has made it irreplaceable on many battlefields. Its tank-shredding cannon and famously tough airframe have earned it a fierce reputation. But as the Air Force shifts budget priorities toward modern fighters like the F-35, it’s looking at platforms that can perform similar missions at a fraction of the cost in permissive airspace.
The contenders include the A-29 Super Tucano, already combat-proven in Afghanistan; Air Tractor’s AT-802L, a militarized crop-duster equipped with weapons and sensors; Textron’s AT-6, derived from a basic trainer; and Textron’s Scorpion, the lone jet in the mix. These aircraft promise lower operating costs and the ability to fly from rough, remote airfields—attributes that make them attractive not only to conventional forces but also to special operations units.
While none of these planes can fully replace the A-10’s unique battlefield presence, they could take on missions in regions where air defenses are limited, freeing up more advanced aircraft for contested theaters. The month-long evaluations at Holloman mark a critical step in determining whether a simpler, more agile fleet could complement the Warthog’s legacy in future conflicts.