Armed Forces
A-10 Deployed To Powidz AB. Warthogs Support The Dragoon Ride Operation
33rd Transport Aviation Base of the Polish Air Force became a temporary home for the USAF A-10 Thunderbolt II/Warthog attack aircraft. 4 examples of these close air support platforms are involved in the Dragoon Ride exercise – a logistical operation, aim of which is to transfer the forces of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment from Mid-Eastern Europe to Germany.
The USAF attack aircraft will stay in Powidz AB for a couple of days, conducting training operations. The Warthogs have so far been involved in the Dragoon Ride operation, providing support for the units of the US Army’s 2nd Cavalry Regiment.
Deployment of the A-10’s is one of the elements of the Operation Atlantic Resolve, aim of which is to support the NATO states. Currently the Americans are also carrying out training activities in Estonia. These operations involve 14 F-16 fighters.
Back in February USAF decided to deploy 12 A-10 Thunderbolt II jets to Germany. It was then stressed that the fighters would be also deployed to bases in Mid-Eastern Europe.
Due to the budgetary cuts, USAF is willing to get rid of the A-10 attack aircraft, even though they are being employed within the struggle against ISIS. The US Congress is an opponent of withdrawal, however, no additional funds were allocated to maintain the Thunderbolts as well, without having an impact on planned investment and recovery of combat readiness.