USA Increases Number of A-10s in the Middle East — Squadron Prepares for Deployment

The United States is bolstering its attack aviation force in the Middle East by deploying an A-10C Warthog squadron.

The War Zone reported on this.

These moves come amid escalating rhetoric from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Iran, including statements about possible strikes on the country’s civilian infrastructure and oil production sector.

According to available information, up to 20 A-10C aircraft may have been concentrated at Portsmouth International Airport in Pisa, New Hampshire, which is traditionally used as a transit point for deploying aircraft to Europe.

From there, they will likely head to Lakenheath Air Base in the UK, where a significant buildup of U.S. combat aircraft has been observed recently.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that these are aircraft from the 124th Fighter Wing of the Idaho National Guard (Gowen Field) and the 127th Wing of the Michigan National Guard (Selfridge Air National Guard Base).

The increase in the number of A-10s in the region could potentially indicate preparations for possible ground operations against Iran, as these aircraft specialize in direct air support for ground forces and are particularly effective at striking ground targets.

Earlier, it was reported that the United States deployed A-10 attack aircraft against Iranian ships and boats in the Strait of Hormuz.

These attack aircraft carry a powerful arsenal, including 70-mm APKWS II guided rockets, AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground missiles, and AIM-9M Sidewinder air-to-air missiles.

The A-10s are also equipped with a built-in 30-mm GAU-8/A Avenger cannon. The APKWS II, AGM-65, and GAU-8/A are weapons that are effectively used against maritime targets, particularly boats, as well as various threats on land.

In October 2025, it was reported that markings indicating the destruction of Shahed-like drones were spotted on a U.S. A-10 attack aircraft.