US Air Force Replaces A-10s Close Air Support in South Korea with Modern Fighters
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As part of a strategic modernization initiative, the U.S. Air Force plans to retire its A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft in South Korea by the end of fiscal year 2025. This change, aligned with a defense enhancement program in the Indo-Pacific, will see the integration of upgraded fourth-generation fighters and advanced fifth-generation aircraft to bolster deterrence capabilities and strengthen the longstanding security alliance with South Korea.
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The A-10 Thunderbolt II is a US Close Air Support aircraft. (Picture source: US DoD)
This transition marks a step toward improving aerial combat readiness and maintaining stability on the Korean peninsula amid growing regional threats. By replacing the A-10s, known for their close air support role, with upgraded F-16 Fighting Falcons, F-35 Lightning IIs, and F-15EX Eagle IIs, the U.S. Air Force aims to enhance air superiority and improve interoperability with the Republic of Korea Air Force.
Starting in January 2025, the 25th Fighter Squadron based at Osan will begin the phased withdrawal of its 24 A-10 aircraft. The transition is expected to conclude by the end of the fiscal year, marking a shift toward more versatile and effective aircraft in the region. In parallel, the Seventh Air Force’s F-16 fleet is undergoing avionics upgrades, increasing the survivability, precision, and responsiveness of these fourth-generation fighters. With these enhancements, the F-16s will be equipped with advanced avionics and weapon systems, narrowing the technological gap between fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft capabilities.
Lieutenant General David Iverson, Commander of the Seventh Air Force and Deputy Commander of U.S. Forces Korea, highlighted the operational advantages of these improvements. “With the deployment of upgraded F-16s, alongside our F-35 and F-15EX aircraft, we are significantly strengthening air combat capabilities in the Korean theater,” said Iverson. “These aircraft offer multi-role versatility, extended operational range, and stealth capabilities, allowing us to effectively counter modern threats.”
The F-35’s stealth and detection capabilities will enhance situational awareness and strike precision, while the advanced avionics and payload capacity of the F-15EX will optimize effectiveness in air-to-air and air-to-ground combat. This modernization effort reflects the U.S. Air Force’s commitment to maintaining a robust force posture in the Indo-Pacific, aiming to deter adversaries and reassure allies through technological superiority and operational adaptability.
Lieutenant General Iverson also emphasized the role of these advanced aircraft in supporting the South Korea-U.S. alliance. “The progress made in upgrading our F-16s and the ongoing super squadron tests at Osan demonstrate our dedication to evolving and adapting our forces to meet 21st-century demands,” he added. “This modernization ensures we can deliver unmatched combat airpower, safeguarding peace and security in the Indo-Pacific.”
As the U.S. Air Force completes this transition, the deployment of modernized aircraft throughout South Korea reaffirms its unwavering commitment to regional stability, providing a flexible and formidable response to emerging threats. This strategic upgrade underscores the U.S. resolve to strengthen defense capabilities in line with the needs of the South Korea-U.S. alliance, thereby consolidating peace and security on the Korean peninsula.
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As part of a strategic modernization initiative, the U.S. Air Force plans to retire its A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft in South Korea by the end of fiscal year 2025. This change, aligned with a defense enhancement program in the Indo-Pacific, will see the integration of upgraded fourth-generation fighters and advanced fifth-generation aircraft to bolster deterrence capabilities and strengthen the longstanding security alliance with South Korea.
The A-10 Thunderbolt II is a US Close Air Support aircraft. (Picture source: US DoD)
This transition marks a step toward improving aerial combat readiness and maintaining stability on the Korean peninsula amid growing regional threats. By replacing the A-10s, known for their close air support role, with upgraded F-16 Fighting Falcons, F-35 Lightning IIs, and F-15EX Eagle IIs, the U.S. Air Force aims to enhance air superiority and improve interoperability with the Republic of Korea Air Force.
Starting in January 2025, the 25th Fighter Squadron based at Osan will begin the phased withdrawal of its 24 A-10 aircraft. The transition is expected to conclude by the end of the fiscal year, marking a shift toward more versatile and effective aircraft in the region. In parallel, the Seventh Air Force’s F-16 fleet is undergoing avionics upgrades, increasing the survivability, precision, and responsiveness of these fourth-generation fighters. With these enhancements, the F-16s will be equipped with advanced avionics and weapon systems, narrowing the technological gap between fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft capabilities.
Lieutenant General David Iverson, Commander of the Seventh Air Force and Deputy Commander of U.S. Forces Korea, highlighted the operational advantages of these improvements. “With the deployment of upgraded F-16s, alongside our F-35 and F-15EX aircraft, we are significantly strengthening air combat capabilities in the Korean theater,” said Iverson. “These aircraft offer multi-role versatility, extended operational range, and stealth capabilities, allowing us to effectively counter modern threats.”
The F-35’s stealth and detection capabilities will enhance situational awareness and strike precision, while the advanced avionics and payload capacity of the F-15EX will optimize effectiveness in air-to-air and air-to-ground combat. This modernization effort reflects the U.S. Air Force’s commitment to maintaining a robust force posture in the Indo-Pacific, aiming to deter adversaries and reassure allies through technological superiority and operational adaptability.
Lieutenant General Iverson also emphasized the role of these advanced aircraft in supporting the South Korea-U.S. alliance. “The progress made in upgrading our F-16s and the ongoing super squadron tests at Osan demonstrate our dedication to evolving and adapting our forces to meet 21st-century demands,” he added. “This modernization ensures we can deliver unmatched combat airpower, safeguarding peace and security in the Indo-Pacific.”
As the U.S. Air Force completes this transition, the deployment of modernized aircraft throughout South Korea reaffirms its unwavering commitment to regional stability, providing a flexible and formidable response to emerging threats. This strategic upgrade underscores the U.S. resolve to strengthen defense capabilities in line with the needs of the South Korea-U.S. alliance, thereby consolidating peace and security on the Korean peninsula.
