Ukraine's defense intelligence chief calls for A‑10-like aircraft amidst F‑16s arrival

"This is something that can significantly bolster our military capabilities against Russia," states the Ukrainian military official. He refers to the A-10, a form of attack aircraft currently possessed by American forces.

While the introduction of F-16s in Ukraine is already confirmed and these fighters will shortly join the ranks of the Ukrainian armed forces, another requirement, as emphasized by Budanov, has arisen. The intelligence chief appealed to the U.S. authorities during an interview with CNN, asserting that he would like to see Ukrainian soldiers provided with an attack aircraft resembling the A-10. Currently, the U.S. authorities have not responded to the Ukrainian's request, and CNN suggests that the transfer of such aircraft remains improbable due to U.S. policy.

It is of interest that the A-10 attack aircraft are generally respected among American pilots and soldiers, as reported by the Unian agency. The aircraft have proven their worth in several conflicts, including those in Iraq and the Persian Gulf. The A-10 is appreciated not only for its impressive arsenal but also for its armor which can withstand damage, allowing the aircraft to return to base even with a single functioning engine and compromised stabilizers and wings.

Manufactured by the Fairchild Aircraft Corporation, the A-10 (code-named Warthog) is a close air support aircraft used by U.S. ground forces. It was incorporated into the U.S. military in the 70s. The design of its wings creates a large lifting surface, resulting in exceptional maneuverability at low altitudes, making the A-10 a highly mobile and resilient aircraft.

In addition, the manufacturer has reinforced the entire structure to protect the plane from direct hits by armor-piercing and destructive cartridges, even those of 23 mm. The installed flight control systems and strengthened hydraulic systems enable the A-10 to land even after suffering partial wing lift surface damage.

The A-10 is powered by two General Electric TF34-GE-100A engines, each generating a thrust of 40.3 kN. These engines propel the plane to a maximum speed of about 840 km/h (about 522 miles/hour) and a cruising speed of approximately 550 km/h (about 342 miles/hour). The maximum flight range exceeds 4.1 thousand km (2548 miles). In terms of armaments, the American aircraft is outfitted with a GAU-8/A Avenger 30 mm cannon, eight under-wing nodes, and three under-fuselage connections, adaptable for various types of bombs and rocket projectiles (Mk 82, GBU-10, AGM-65 Maverick, and AIM-9 Sidewinder).