F-35, F-15 May Take A-10’s Combat-Search-and-Rescue Role: USAF Chief

Why It Matters

Replacing the A‑10’s CSAR capability with high‑cost, multirole jets could create capability gaps and raise operational expenses, affecting the Air Force’s ability to recover downed personnel in contested environments.

Key Takeaways

• A-10 retirement planned by 2030, three squadrons retained until then.
• F-15 and F-35 slated to assume combat search‑and‑rescue role.
• FY2027 budget requests $10 billion for additional CSAR training hours.
• Critics doubt F‑35/F‑15 can match A‑10’s low‑speed loiter capability.
• Pilot training will shift to multirole fighters, raising operational costs.

Pulse Analysis

The A‑10 "Warthog" has been the backbone of the Air Force’s combat search‑and‑rescue (CSAR) package for decades, prized for its rugged airframe, slow‑speed maneuverability, and heavy ordnance. Its impending retirement, slated for 2030, reflects broader fleet modernization but also raises concerns about preserving a proven CSAR platform. While the service will keep three A‑10 squadrons flying through 2029‑2030, the long‑term plan hinges on transitioning that niche capability to newer aircraft.

F‑15s and F‑35s are being positioned as the successors for CSAR missions, leveraging recent upgrades that expand their multirole reach. The FY2027 budget’s $10 billion request for flying hours underscores the scale of training required to certify pilots for low‑altitude, loiter‑heavy rescue operations. However, the F‑35’s high acquisition cost, limited loiter time, and complex maintenance contrast sharply with the A‑10’s simplicity and endurance. Critics argue that even with advanced sensors, the newer jets may struggle to replicate the Warthog’s ability to hover over hostile terrain and deliver precise fire support while extracting personnel.

If the transition falters, the Air Force could face a capability gap that jeopardizes the recovery of downed airmen and special‑operations forces. Higher operational costs, increased pilot workload, and the need for extensive retraining could strain budgets already under pressure. Industry observers watch closely as Congress, the Pentagon, and defense contractors balance modernization goals against the risk of eroding a critical life‑saving mission that the A‑10 uniquely performed for generations.