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The US Air Force is accelerating its modernization efforts in the Indo-Pacific region by retiring the iconic A-10 Thunderbolt II from South Korea.

What’s the deal: According to the US Air Force, all 24 A-10s stationed at Osan Air Base in South Korea will be retired starting in January 2025, with the process scheduled to be completed by the end of fiscal year 2025. The removal of these aircraft, known for their close-air support capabilities, comes as the Pentagon bolsters its military presence in Asia with more modern equipment.

New “toys”: Replacing the A-10s in South Korea, the US Air Force will deploy a combination of advanced fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft to the region. This includes F-35 Lightning IIs, which offer state-of-the-art stealth and precision strike capabilities. Additionally, the F-15EX Eagle II, designed for superior air-to-air and air-to-ground operations, will also step in to replace some of the A-10s.

This all comes as the US continues to send more modern equipment to Asia, driven by growing concerns over the military capabilities of China, North Korea, and Russia. In addition to deploying advanced aircraft like the F-35 Lightning II and F-15EX Eagle II to the region, the US recently approved a $4.92 billion military package for South Korea, which includes four E-7 Airborne Early Warning & Control aircraft and other critical systems to enhance situational awareness and command capabilities.

The Navy is also transitioning to more advanced platforms, such as replacing F/A-18 Super Hornets with F-35Cs at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Japan.