US Air Force trains A-10 Warthogs to evade missiles amid rising drone and EW threats

The U.S. military is intensifying training for its A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft, nicknamed the "Warthog," to better withstand the growing threats from missiles, drones, and electronic warfare.

Recent training exercises, showcased by the U.S. military's Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS), depict A-10s releasing heat flares during evasive maneuvers. These flares are infrared countermeasures designed to decoy heat-seeking missiles away from the aircraft's engines, a crucial defensive measure for the low-flying, slower-moving attack platform.

The exercises, including the "Weapons School Integration" (WSINT) at the Nevada Test and Training Range, highlight the challenges faced in modern close air support missions. While the A-10 boasts a powerful 30mm GAU-8/A Avenger Gatling gun and can carry various air-to-ground munitions, its operational profile makes it vulnerable to advanced threats like man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS), mobile short-range air defense systems, electronic jamming, and armed drones.

In response, the U.S. military is focusing on improving the A-10's ability to operate alongside electronic warfare platforms, drones, and fifth-generation fighters. This collaborative approach aims to increase the aircraft's survivability in high-threat environments. The military is re-evaluating the A-10's operational doctrine, moving towards scenarios where air superiority is not absolute. Historically, the A-10 typically entered combat after friendly forces had established air dominance, but current threats necessitate a shift in this strategy.

Reflecting this evolving role, the A-10 has been deployed for armed patrols and rapid response missions in the Strait of Hormuz as part of "Operation Epic Fury" against Iran. Despite its age, with over 40 years in service, the A-10 remains valuable for close air support, and adapting it to survive in increasingly dangerous airspace is a key priority for the U.S. Air Force.

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The U.S. military is testing the aircraft's ability to operate in high-threat airspace.