US Air Force Proposes Retiring U-2 Fleet, Slashing A-10s in Major Modernization Plan
The U.S. Air Force's fiscal year 2025 budget proposal outlines a significant fleet transformation, aiming to divest older aircraft to fund modernization. Under the plan, the entire iconic U-2 "Dragon Lady" spy plane fleet would be retired by fiscal year 2026. Additionally, the service intends to retire 56 A-10 "Warthog" aircraft, reducing the close air support fleet by nearly half. These retirements, along with dozens of older F-15s and F-22s, are part of a broader strategy to reinvest in next-generation capabilities. To replace these assets, the Air Force plans to procure 108 new aircraft, including F-35s, F-15EXs, and KC-46 tankers.
Official Source: https://www.airandspaceforces.com/u-2-fleet-half-of-a-10s-would-retire-air-force-plans-to-add-108-planes-in-27/
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