Air Force A-10 will no longer bare teeth overseas with Korea exit

The Air Force will begin removing its A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft from Osan Air Base, South Korea, starting in January 2025, according to an Air Force release.

Osan Air Base is the Warthog’s last location overseas, according to Air & Space Forces Magazine, meaning the aircraft’s removal will mark the end of its run abroad. There are currently 24 A-10 aircraft stationed at Osan Air Base, and they are all slated for withdrawal by the end of fiscal 2025.

“By introducing advanced fourth and fifth-generation aircraft like our upgraded (F-16 Fighting Falcons), along with (F-35 Lightning IIs) and (F-15EX Eagle IIs) in the Pacific region, we are significantly enhancing our overall air combat capabilities in the Korean theater,” said Lt. Gen. David Iverson, Seventh Air Force commander and U.S. Forces Korea deputy commander, in the release.

Often associated with the cartoonish teeth that are sometimes painted on its nose cone, the Warthog first flew in 1972.

The push to modernize the aircraft fleet is part of a broader effort to maintain stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region, which includes Korea, the service said. The upgrade to newer aircraft is intended to reinforce defense capabilities against North Korea and showcase continued support for South Korea, according to the release.

Seventh Air Force F-16s are also getting upgrades to their avionics systems and their weapon systems, according to the release.

“The advancement of our F-16 upgrades and innovation through our ongoing super squadron test at Osan (AB) show our dedication to evolving and adapting our forces to meet the demands of the 21st century,” Iverson said.