The U.S. Air Force is now using F-16s to bolster its armed overwatch of oil tankers in the Persian Gulf region and deter Iran from trying to seize the vessels, U.S. officials say, joining A-10s that have already been flying patrols in the Gulf for ...

WORLD: Air Warfare

April 27, 2023
WORLD: USAF Fighter Mix Changing at Kadena; $9 Billion in F-22 Updates; CCAs Arrive Before NGAD; Re-engined B-52 becomes B-52J; T-7 Delayed til 2025; A-10s, E-3s to the Boneyard.
As the Air Force’s broader focus shifts to the Pacific and Europe, the U.S. military will rely on aging close air support aircraft to meet the needs of its forces in the Middle East. A-10 Thunderbolt IIs will deploy to the region in April, a ...