U.S. Air Force concludes A-10 training course at Nellis AFB

The U.S. Air Force has reached a significant milestone in its transition away from the A-10 Thunderbolt II, as the 66th Weapons Squadron completed its final A-10C training flight at Nellis Air Force Base. This marks the end of the aircraft’s dedicated course within the U.S. Air Force Weapons School, effectively concluding nearly 50 years of elite tactical training and operational testing at the installation.

While the A-10 fleet is scheduled to remain in service through 2030, the dismantling of its training infrastructure—including the prior closure of the pilot training pipeline at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base—will progressively reduce the pool of personnel trained to teach the platform’s highest-level tactics. The Air Force intends to transition close air support roles and tactical expertise to multirole and advanced fighter platforms, such as the F-35 Lightning II, F-15 Eagle, and F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Despite the phase-out, some members of Congress have expressed concerns regarding the lack of a direct replacement for the A-10’s specific close air support capabilities. However, military leadership maintains that the mission will continue by involving other fighter communities in the close air support role.