ASELSAN:
Lockheed Martin:
Rheinmetall:
BAE Systems:
Thales:
Leonardo:
Saab:
Kongsberg Gruppen:
Indra Sistemas:
Mitsubishi Heavy Ind.:
Hanwha Aerospace:
AVIC Shenyang Aircraft:
Hindustan Aeronautics:
KEY INTELLIGENCE TAKEAWAYS & SUMMARY
- The end of A-10 operations at Nellis Air Force Base signals the dispersal of close air support expertise and some related tasks to the F-15, F-16 and F-35 communities.
- The A-10's design was centered on survivability at low altitude, the ability to use weapons against ground targets, and the ability to remain in close proximity to friendly forces.
- The retirement of the A-10 is resulting in the loss of expertise in close air support and 'Sandy' aircrew rescue mission specialization.
- The US Air Force claims that its close air support capability has not diminished, but this transition represents a significant change in how that capability is generated and employed.
Technical Capacity and Field Balances
The last A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft at Nellis Air Force Base departed the base on September 22. This signals the dispersal of the close air support expertise and some related tasks to the F-15, F-16 and F-35 communities. The A-10's design had focused on survivability at low altitude, the ability to use weapons against ground targets, and the ability to stay near friendly forces.
Expertise and Impact on Training
The retirement of the A-10 is resulting in the loss of expertise in close air support and 'Sandy' aircrew rescue mission. The US Air Force claims that its close air support capability has not diminished, but this transition represents a significant change in how that capability is constituted and employed.
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Conclusion and Future Perspective
The end of the A-10's operations at Nellis Air Force Base signals the distribution of close air support expertise and some related tasks to the F-15, F-16 and F-35 communities. This transition has significant implications for the future of the US Air Force's close air support capability. The retirement of the A-10 marks the beginning of a new era for the defense industry and military technology.
