US sends A-10 attack aircrafts from Idaho to Middle East With over 300 personnel

On March 29, several A-10 attack aircraft from the Idaho Air National Guard were deployed to Middle East, along with over 300 personnel from 124th Fighter Wing to the U.S. Central Command area in southwest Asia.

This follows shortly after the Air Force confirmed the arrival of B-2 stealth bombers on Diego Garcia, an island in the Indian Ocean, which is within reach of Yemen—where the U.S. has intensified operations against the Houthi rebels, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Maj. Gen. Tim Donnellan, commander of the Idaho ANG, expressed pride in the mission, emphasising the commitment of the 124th Fighter Wing to safeguarding U.S. interests both at home and abroad.

The A-10s' exact role in the Middle East remains uncertain, but the Air Force indicated that further deployments to the region are part of the broader strategy against the Houthis. The duration of the mission will depend on operational requirements, with reports suggesting that the 124th Fighter Wing might be stationed in the region for up to six months, though the Idaho ANG has not yet confirmed this timeline.

In a related development, the U.S. Air Force confirmed on March 27 that B-2 bombers had arrived at Diego Garcia, which is approximately 2,200 miles from Yemen. The B-2's long-range capabilities—up to 6,000 nautical miles without refueling—make it a key asset in the region.

The A-10, renowned for close air support with its low-speed, low-altitude manoeuvrability, has been integral to U.S. military operations since the Gulf War in 1991. Equipped with a powerful GAU-8/A Avenger 30mm cannon, it is effective against armoured targets, including tanks, and is fitted with advanced countermeasures to defend against surface-to-air threats.

The aircraft have been used extensively in the Middle East, notably in response to the 2022 Hamas attacks on Israel, as well as in previous deployments in March 2023 and October 2024.

Since receiving its first A-10s in 1996, the Idaho ANG has regularly supported combat operations in the region, including large deployments for Operations Freedom's Sentinel (2020) and Inherent Resolve (2016). The A-10 fleet, however, is set to begin its retirement in autumn 2026, with the 124th Fighter Wing slated to transition to F-16 fighters in spring 2027, pending an environmental analysis.

By Aghakazim Guliyev