Business Insider

Final Decision.

When the Lockheed-Martin F-35 was first introduced the US Air Force had high hopes that it would replace the entirety of their planes. However, not everyone was pleased with the decision to phase out older aircraft, in particular supporters of the A-10 Warthog. “Out with the old in with the new” against “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.” Veterans, pilots, politicians, and fans of the A-10 voiced their love of the Warthog and now the US Air Force has made a final decision, the A-10 is here to stay.

That’s right, A-10 fanatics can breathe a sigh of relief as the Warthog will remain funded by the US Air Force. Originally the plan was to test the F-35 against the A-10 in a match of close air support to determine which was better suited for the job, but now it’s clear who the winner is.

“We’re going to keep them until 2021, and then as a discussion that we’ll have with [Defense] Secretary [Jim] Mattis and the department and the review over all of our budgets, that is what will determine the way ahead.” – General David Goldfein (Air Force Chief of Staff)

The budget plan also has plans to keep the U-2 Spy Plane alive for the foreseeable future rather than retiring it. This was a hard fought battle that brought in support from Senator John McCain, Rep. Matha McSally and a countless number of pilots to keep the A-10 alive. So rest easy folks, the Warthog is here to stay.