The A-10 aircraft features a 30mm GAU-8/A seven-barrel Gatling gun, and more. Credit: U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. William Greer/Flickr(Creative Commons).

The US Air Force (USAF) is targeting to complete a phased withdrawal of its 24 A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft by the end of next year at Osan Air Base in South Korea.

This is part of the Air Force’s aim to complete a phase of its modernisation strategy in fiscal year 2025 (FY 2025). It includes prioritising fourth-generation fighter jet upgrades and enhancing the integration of fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft.

Weighing 29,000lb, the A-10 aircraft features a 30mm GAU-8/A seven-barrel Gatling gun and can carry up to 16,000lb of mixed ordnance on eight under-wing and three under-fuselage pylon stations.

The modernisation effort aims to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Korean peninsula, through enhanced air capabilities.

This strategy bolsters deterrence against North Korea and reaffirms the US security commitment to the South Korea-US alliance by strengthening combined defence capabilities.

Throughout this transition, the US Air Force will continue to enhance interoperability through close cooperation with the Republic of Korea Air Force.

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The 25th Fighter Squadron at Osan Air Base will begin a phased withdrawal of its 24 A-10 aircraft starting in January 2025, with completion anticipated by the end of FY 2025.

Additionally, Seventh Air Force F-16s are undergoing avionics system upgrades, bringing the aircraft closer to fifth-generation standards.

These upgrades will increase both the survivability and accuracy of the weapon system, marking a shift towards integrating next-generation aircraft for greater operational effectiveness.

The upgraded F-16s will continue to provide reliable and flexible combat capabilities while the F-35 will provide an advantage in situational awareness and strike precision with its advanced sensors.

The F-15EX will further strengthen air-to-air and air-to-ground combat effectiveness with its advanced avionics and payload capacity.

US Forces Korea deputy commander and Seventh Air Force commander David Iverson said: “By introducing advanced fourth and fifth-generation aircraft like our upgraded F-16 Fighting Falcons, along with F-35 Lightning IIs and F-15EX Eagle IIs in the Pacific region, we are significantly enhancing our overall air combat capabilities in the Korean theatre.”