Latest news with #A-10s
AllAfrica
30-06-2025
- Business
- AllAfrica
Give the A-10s to Taiwan and they can stop a Chinese sea invasion
The US Air Force proposes to 'divest' itself of 162 A-10 Warthog aircraft by 2026 and send them to the boneyard at Davis Monthan Airbase in Tucson, Arizona. There the A-10s would rot away in the sun. If the US Air Force does not want them anymore, they would be gone by the end of 2026 or sooner. Sending them to the scrap heap would be a massive mistake. Better to send them to Taiwan where they could make a major contribution to defending the island. Taiwan faces the risk of a massive invasion from China, something the Chinese army, navy and air force have been practicing for years. The US knows the risk of a Chinese invasion, and Washington has accelerated its efforts to pivot to the Pacific. Planners know that any attack on Taiwan could end US influence in the region and deprive the US of vital assets, including specialized semiconductors needed for the Artificial Intelligence revolution. Companies such as Nvidia, which calls itself the world leader in artificial intelligence computing, relies on Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC) to manufacture their advanced chips. A scene at TSMC. No matter how you look at it, Taiwan will have to shoulder the burden of an initial attack by China. The first few days will be critical. Swarms of Chinese invasion craft, supported by missiles and drones, will push Taiwan's modest defense resources to the breaking point. Taiwan's air force consists of modernized, but quite old, F-16s and home-grown short-legged F-CK-1 Ching Kuo fighter jets. A near-fourth generation jet, the F-CK-1 is underpowered and has limited range and endurance. Taiwan's existing aircraft are unlikely to be able to stop an incoming invasion fleet, or support Taiwanese air defenses by knocking out swarms of drones. F-CK-1A model. The A-10, however, can do both jobs, and it is more sturdy and survivable than any Taiwan air force jet in the inventory. The A-10 also has superior firepower and is equipped with new weapons ideally suited to sinking an invasion fleet or blasting away at drones. An A-10 peels away from a KC-135 tanker over Afghanistan, February 2011 with Pave Penny pod visible and featuring a false canopy painted in dark gray on the underside. The A-10 is a creature of the 1970s. Originally built by the now defunct Fairchild-Republic company between 1972 to 1984 in Farmingdale, New York, the A-10 was conceived as a ground attack plane to knock out Soviet tanks and other armor on the battlefield. Its creators thought of the A-10 playing a big role in stopping a Soviet invasion of then-West Germany through the Fulda Gap, an ideal funnel where Soviet armor could be picked off. That mission faded away just as the USSR dematerialized. But over the years, and especially in the last half decade, the remaining A-10s have been significantly modified and equipped to carry new weapons that were not yet dreamed about in the 1970s. Equipped with new, sturdy wings, new electronics and fire control, laser designators, and 'smart' rocket pods, the A-10's upgrades complement the huge firepower of its GAU-8 Avenger 30mm hydraulically driven seven-barrel Gatling-style autocannon. The autocannon fires PGU-14/B armor-piercing incendiary rounds featuring a depleted uranium penetrator that can easily tear up any landing ship or other seagoing vessel. The new star of the show is the A-10's ability to fire the new/old 70mm Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II. The APKWS is an old Hydra unguided rocket that is upgraded with a guidance kit that is operated with a laser designator to hit a target. APKWS recently were diverted to the Middle East from Ukraine because they proved valuable in shooting down Houthi drones. The APKWS II system is highly effective but cheap compared with using air-to-air missiles to knock out drones. The cost of a Sidewinder AIM-9X missile is around $600,000; typically two are fired at a target to nail it. The all up cost of the APKWS including the unguided Hydra unguided rocket (which are about $3,000 each) is less than $25,000. Because it is a man-in-the-loop guidance package – unlike the Sidewinder, which uses an infrared seeker – the chance for a successful hit is better. Sidewinder has far better range, but most of the time small drones are not picked up by radar or E/O sensors until they are much nearer. The range of the APKWS is around two miles. Most drones cannot fight back, so knocking them out of the sky is a turkey shoot. If Taiwan had the full fleet of A-10s it could focus its air defenses against Chinese missiles and let the A-10s operate against drones. If Taiwan had the full fleet of A-10s it could focus its air defenses against Chinese missiles and let the A-10s operate against drones. Compared with modern jet fighters the cost of operating the A-10 is far lower, coming in at $6,000 to $9,000 per hour compared versus the F-16's $30,000 per hour. A-10 aircraft are made to be robust, including titanium armor to protect the cockpit and self-sealing fuel tanks if the plane is hit by ground fire. The upgraded A-10s also has a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) which means it can see targets even in bad weather. This means that if the PLA Navy tries to launch an invasion in heavy overcast conditions, thinking it can preclude Taiwan's use of airpower, the SAR upgrade takes that strategy off the table because SAR can see through clouds, mist and bad weather. In the past Taiwan has always wanted the newest and the greatest, not old stuff that the US has often dumped on the island. That view is understandable, but the A-10 must be viewed as a formidable exception. The A-10 would hand to Taiwan a capability it sorely lacks, and one that China will fear. With F-16s challenging China's air arm, the A-10 can sink an invasion fleet and do so quickly. In the past the US has refused to export the A-10, a strange posture considering that the Air Force has a low opinion of the fighter. But the potential struggle over Taiwan is looming. Taiwanese air crews could quickly be trained here by the existing operators, and support and maintenance assets rapidly transferred to the island. Any new equipment, if we had any, will take years to materialize and probably can't duplicate the flexibility and utility of the A-10. So, if the Air Force does not want the A-10, the A-10 can still contribute to Taiwan's defense and to security in the Pacific region. Stephen Bryen is a special correspondent to Asia Times and former US deputy undersecretary of defense for policy. This article, which originally appeared on his Substack newsletter Weapons and Strategy, is republished with permission.
Axios
05-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
Selfridge mission unites old foes Whitmer, Trump
The new fighter jet mission at Selfridge Air National Guard Base is a big win for Michigan's economy, highlighting Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's evolving relationship with President Trump. Why it matters: Prior to Trump's announcement last week that Selfridge will receive new fighter aircraft, the base's future — and the 30,000 jobs it supports — was uncertain because its aging A-10 Thunderbolt II squadron will be retired beginning in 2026. State of play: Selfridge will receive about 20 F-15EXs — a next-generation fighter aircraft — to replace the A-10s beginning in fiscal year 2028. Meanwhile, the A-10's retirement will happen gradually over the next several years, resulting in the loss of about 300 part-time and 25 full-time jobs. Whitmer said she is hopeful the new mission will minimize job losses, the Detroit News reported. What they're saying: Trump made the announcement last Tuesday during a visit to the base on Lake St. Clair in Harrison Township, about 30 miles northeast of Detroit. "I've come in person to lay to rest any doubts about Selfridge's future and the vital role it will play in our national defense," Trump said. Context: Selfridge's location is ideal for the new aircraft to fly over the Arctic toward Asia and other locations, U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Township, told the Macomb Daily. Between the lines: Despite their previous disagreements, Whitmer has taken a more cooperative approach during Trump's second term. Her strategy — in contrast to more combative Democratic governors — made news last month when Whitmer hid her face with file folders while being photographed in the Oval Office. Whitmer later explained that she simply didn't want her picture taken: "That's all it was. I kinda wish I hadn't put my folder up in front of my face. But whatever." The latest: The Selfridge expansion outweighs any distress Whitmer endured in working with Trump to make it happen, the New York Times reports. "The fact that we got it done — all the grief is worth it," she told the Times. "The people of Michigan elected me twice because they know whether it's threats or pundits ridiculing me for going to the White House, I'm always going to stand up for the people of Michigan."
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Here's what happened during Trump's 15th week in office
President Donald Trump officially crossed the finish line of his first 100 days in office this week, signing executive orders cracking down on immigration and advancing religious liberty. Among the most consequential events marking the week was a major staff shakeup where he announced that National Security Advisor Mike Waltz would depart his post at the White House. Hours later, Trump unveiled plans to tap Waltz to represent the U.S. at the United Nations. "I am pleased to announce that I will be nominating Mike Waltz to be the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations," Trump posted to Truth Social Thursday. "From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress and, as my National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nation's Interests first. I know he will do the same in his new role. In the interim, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as National Security Advisor, while continuing his strong leadership at the State Department. Together, we will continue to fight tirelessly to Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Here's what also happened this week: On Monday, Trump signed an executive order demanding the Justice Department and Homeland Security establish a list of all sanctuary cities failing to follow federal immigration laws. Read On The Fox News App Per the executive order, cities will receive notification and have the opportunity to drop the sanctuary status. Failure to do so could cause them to risk losing federal funding, according to the executive order. Sanctuary cities are local jurisdictions that restrict cooperation with federal immigration authorities, including refusing to comply with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer requests. "It's quite simple: obey the law, respect the law, and don't obstruct federal immigration officials and law enforcement officials when they are simply trying to remove public safety threats from our nation's communities," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Monday. "The American public don't want illegal alien criminals in their communities. They made that quite clear on Nov. 5, and this administration is determined to enforce our nation's immigration laws." Trump also revealed new plans Tuesday to swap out the retiring A-10 Warthog aircraft based out of Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan with 21 brand-new F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets. Trump shared details of the new fighter jet mission during a speech to National Guard members at the Michigan base for an event commemorating his 100th day in office. Selfridge will become the fourth military installation to operate the fighter jet, which entered operational service in July 2024. Trump Announces New 'Serious Power' Fighter Jet Mission For Michigan Guard Base To Replace Aging A-10s "Fresh off the line. That means they are brand new," Trump said. "They've never been anywhere. This is where they're going to be for a long time. And I saw one of them, flew over my head, and I said, 'What the hell is that?' That plane has serious power. So, this is the best there is anywhere in the world, the F-15EX Eagle II. This will keep Selfridge at the cutting edge of Northern American air power." The fighter jet is an updated version of the F-15C Eagle aircraft the Air Force introduced in 1989 and features bolstered fuel efficiency, radar and avionics, according to the Air National Guard. The jet is designed to work alongside other Air Force aircraft, including the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II fighter jets. Trump signed an executive order Thursday establishing a presidential commission on religious liberty. Trump disclosed plans for the new commission during a National Day of Prayer event at the White House, revealing that Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick will serve as the chairman of the commission. "The last administration attacked people of faith for four years," Patrick said Thursday. "There's a saying that no one should get between a doctor and a patient. I think we would say no one should get between God and a believer. No one should get between God and those seeking him." Trump Executive Order Stands Up Presidential Religious Liberty Commission The Religious Liberty Commission will compose a report evaluating threats to religious liberty in the U.S., ways to enhance religious freedom and examine the history of American religious liberty, according to a White House fact sheet on the executive order. Click Here To Get To The Fox News App The report will address issues including parental rights in religious education, school choice, attacks on religious places of worship and free speech issues for religious organizations, according to the fact sheet. Additionally, these leaders will provide guidance to the White House on policy and legislative solutions to advance religious article source: Here's what happened during Trump's 15th week in office
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Whitmer greets Trump at Selflridge, President says ‘she's done a very good job'
The Brief President Donald Trump and Governor Gretchen Whitmer spoke together on Tuesday at Selfridge. Trump announced 21 F-15 Eagle II fighter jets would be coming to Michigan to replace retiring A-10s. Trump said Whitmer was responsible for convincing him to see the need to keep Selfridge. In a far cry from 'the woman from Michigan', President Donald Trump on Tuesday credited Governor Gretchen Whitmer for bringing the urgent need of Selfridge Air National Guard Base to his attention as he announced 21 new fighter jets would be coming to the Macomb County air base. Whitmer met Trump as he exited Air Force One at Selfridge around 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday. Wearing a Michigan National Guard hat, Whitmer shook hands with Trump before the president got into the waiting presidential limousine. After a short drive, Whitmer and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth entered the hangar at Selfridge first and stood to the side of the podium. A few minutes later, the President was introduce to cheers from the Michigan National Guard. "Thank you very much. It's an honor to be back in the great state of Michigan. And as you know, we had big victory in Michigan. And, I won't forget it. And I'm not forgetting it. And I'm honored to be here at Selfridge Air National Guard Base with the men and women of the 127th wing of the Michigan Air National Guard," Trump said. The president then went on to extol the work done by Whitmer to bring the need of Selfridge to his attention. According to Trump, the reason Whitmer traveled to the White House earlier this month was to push for the announcement he was going to make – that 21 F-15 Eagle II fighter jets would be coming to Macomb County to replace the outdated A-10 warthogs. "I heard about it recently from some people, including your governor, who was, done a very good job. She came to see me. That's the reason she came to see me, by the way, to save Selfridge. And, she was very effective, along with some of the other politicians and some of the military people. They love this place. They love that what it stands for. All the victories they've had here over the years," Trump said. Whitmer and Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall spoke with Trump in April in an Oval Office meeting that surprised many people after the two had a very public feud in 2020 with Trump referring to Whitmer as 'the woman from Michigan'. But time has changed and appears to have healed old wounds as Trump offered nothing but praise for the term-limited governor. "I want to thank Governor Gretchen Whitmer for bringing it also to our attention very strongly. And, you know, I'm not supposed to do that. She's a Democrat. They say, don't do that. Don't have her here. I said, no, she's going to be here. She's done a very good job, frankly. And she's she was very much involved with, with the Republicans. They worked together on saving it. And it was not easy. So I want to thank you very much, Gretchen. Good job," he said. Trump also thanked Hall and Senate Republican leader Eric Nesbitt for their roles as well. "I want to thank all of the people that, I just mentioned, but in particular the, the you know, when I look at the House members, they have been, calling me all the time, can we got to get it done. And they worked along with Gretchen and some others," he said. With the praise and congratulations finished, Trump announced Selfridge would be home to 21 new fighter jets. "As commander in chief, I'm proud to announce that very soon, we will replace the retiring A-10 warthogs with 21 brand new F-15 Eagle, two fighter jets, the best in the world. Fresh off the line. Brand new. Fresh off the line," Trump said. The announcement was met with a raucous applause from the guard behind him. "This will keep Selfridge at the cutting edge of Northern American air power," he said. "For generations, the men and women of Selfridge have always been here, and they've always been for us. Whether you're a Republican or a Democrat, they've always been for us. They've been for America. And under the Trump administration, we're going to be there for you," he said. Trump promised that Selfridge would be at the center of action and will also build submarines. "I just want to say we're building some of the greatest submarines and various other ships. But submarines in particular, we have a monopoly on great submarines. We're building the greatest and the most powerful machine ever built," Trump said. Hegseth spoke briefly, thanking Trump for his remarks and work and for 'restoring the warrior ethos'. Trump then asked Whitmer to speak as he gestured toward the podium. "Well, I hadn't planned to speak, but I'm on behalf of all the military men and women who serve our country and serve so honorably on behalf of the state of Michigan. I am really damn happy we're here to celebrate this recapitalization at Selfridge. It's crucial for the Michigan economy. It's crucial for the men and women here, for our homeland security and our future. So thank you. I'm so, so grateful that this announcement was made today and I appreciate all the work. Thank you," Whitmer said. She shook hands with the president and returned to her spot as Hall took the podium. "This is the first time in decades where we can all say Selfridge is winning. We are winning because of you, President Trump. And I know all of these troops here will not let you down with this new fighter mission, which will keep Selfridge Air National Guard Base thriving for the next 30 to 40 years," Hall said. The Source FOX 2 was at Selfridge Air National Guard Base for the announcement.
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
More A-10 Warthogs deploy to the Middle East
Even as the U.S. Air Force works to retire its fleet of A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, Warthogs are still proving useful in the ongoing fight against ISIS. And now, the U.S. military is sending additional Warthogs to the Middle East. It's part of the latest build up of U.S. military power, as fighting ramps up against Houthi forces in Yemen. The 124th Fighter Wing announced it was deploying more than 300 airmen and 'multiple' A-10s to the CENTCOM area of responsibility. The troops and aircraft, flown by members of the 190th Fighter Squadron, left Idaho on Saturday, March 29. The exact number of A-10s was not disclosed, beyond 'several' being deployed. The Idaho State Journal reports that the troops are on a 180-day deployment. The 124th Fighter Wing's A-10s are the latest to deploy to the Middle East. The close air support aircraft have repeatedly been sent to the CENTCOM area of responsibility in different American military buildup periods since October 2023, when the Israeli war in Gaza began. Most recently additional A-10s arrived in the fall of 2024. The aircraft have played a major role in combat operations in the region. Between November and January, A-10s were part of several aerial attack missions against ISIS militants in Iraq and Syria. In November, they participated in airstrikes against ISIS forces inside eastern Syria. The aircraft also provided aerial support for ground troops fighting ISIS militants in mountainous parts of Iraq in a days-long campaign in late December. Despite regularly deploying the aircraft, the U.S. Air Force is working to retire its fleet of a little more than 200 A-10s by fiscal year 2028, with close air support roles being taken over by fighter jets and bombers. Operations against ISIS targets in Iraq and Syria have been steadily ongoing, but fighting in the Middle East has escalated this month with a restart of hostilities with Houthi forces. The group, which controls much of Yemen, announced it would resume attacks on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden in response to humanitarian aid blockades into Gaza. Since March 15, U.S. forces have repeatedly bombed Houthi sites in Sana'a and other locations, and intercepted missiles and drones fired towards U.S. Navy assets. The exact number of airstrikes since March 15 has not been disclosed, although CENTCOM has characterized it as ongoing '24/7' on social media. The airmen and aircraft from the 124th Fighter Wing who are deploying are part of a wider surge of American military forces to the region. Last week the USS Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group, including Carrier Air Wing 2, was ordered to the Middle East to join the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, which has been carrying out many of the operations against Houthi forces. Meanwhile B-2 Spirit bombers were sent to Diego Garcia, an island in the Indian Ocean, which is often used as a staging ground for operations in the Middle East. The Army's Master Combat Badges will be coming to soldiers this month Air Force shoots down Houthi drones launched at Navy carrier strike group Medal of Honor recipient depicted in movie 'Glory' erased from Pentagon website 'Saving Private Ryan' didn't make the Army's list of most accurate movie portrayals Army reveals designs for Mountaineering and Mariner Badges
