USAF retires Osan Thunderbolts

On 12 November 2024, it was announced that the 25th Fighter Squadron "Assam Draggins" at Osan Air Base (Republic of Korea) will begin a phased withdrawal of its 24 'OS' coded Fairchild Republic A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft.

While the 25th Fighter Squadron, part of the 51st Fighter Wing at Osan, is holding the distinction of being the foremost Close Air Support (CAS) fighter squadron on the Korean Peninsula, this task will be taken over by a, yet to be named, fourth-generation (F-16) or fifth-generation (F-35) fighter. Osan will be starting divestment of its Thunderbolt IIs by January 2025 with completion expected by the end of fiscal year 2025. Well before that time it will be announced which aircraft the "Assam Draggins" will receive.

USAF's Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) is set to complete a significant phase of its modernisation strategy in fiscal year 2025. In key regions, including South Korea, it will transition away from its A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft in favour of advancing fourth-generation fighter jet upgrades and enhancing fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft integration. By introducing advanced fourth and fifth-generation aircraft like upgraded (F-16C/D Fighting Falcons, along with F-35A Lightning IIs and F-15EX Eagle IIs in the Pacific region, the USAF is significantly enhancing its overall air combat capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

On 4 July 2024, Scramble Magazine first wrote about the basing of new USAF 4th and 5th generation fighters in Japan.

Credit photos: USAF