Frontal Aviation Air Force in its present composition is not able to deal with serious opponents, such as Russia and China, The National Interest wrote with reference to the Pentagon.
Assault A-10 Thunderbolt II, nicknamed the "Warthog", today is the only aircraft to support the troops. However, because of their age and outdated technology he can not even come close to its main goal - the enemy's mechanized brigade, says the publication.
Put into service in 1975 , the A-10 is an ideal target for all modern air defense systems. On the radar screens it sparkles like a Christmas tree.
According to the author, in case of confrontation with Russia, "Warthog" under no circumstances can not "break through" the zone of responsibility of the complexes "Tor-M2 / M3", 'Buk-M2' e 'Tunguska', that normally protect motorized compound. On the more powerful engines of type C-300/400, even we are not talking.
The ideal option for the A-10, is when on his way no enemy fighters, no system of EIA. More, Togo, Will the "warthogs" all up in the air during the conflict - is a big question.
Because Russia has a long-type high-precision sea rocket “calibres” Aircraft and X-101, conventional military airfields NATO to use in case of conflict will be impossible, certain publications columnist.
Narrow specialization of the aircraft and its peculiar appearance from the very beginning put the car to the "ugly duckling". However, the US Congress does not allow him to write off until, until the full replacement. Recently, Congress even proposed upgrade 112 "Warthogs" from 280 available. To reduce the visibility of the aircraft proposed to have "thick" wing replaced by a "thin".
But, According to the author, it's a long story: Search contractor - about 2 years, manufacturing of components - more about 5 years.
And even upgraded A-10 is only suitable for local campaigns against guerrillas and insurgents, who do not have air defense systems. As for the serious opponents, the replacement of the "Warthog" could be F-35B with short takeoff and vertical landing - he did not need-equipped airfields, and is able to overcome the enemy air defenses, the paper concludes.
